Clayton: Broncos wrap up Tim Patrick, but question linger
Nov 20, 2021, 11:22 AM
While it was supposed to be quiet because of the bye week, the Broncos made big news by signing Tim Patrick to a three-year contract extension.
Patrick has been a great success story. He has 37 catches for 523 yards and four touchdowns. Pro Football Focus says he has a 90.2 grade against man coverage. That’s third best in the league, according to their rankings.
The signing creates some interesting questions. Courtland Sutton is a free agent after the season. Because he’s been to the Pro Bowl, and is a very good receiver, he might be hard to sign. Patrick clearly came in for much less money than what Sutton can command. At the very least, he could be worth a $14 million a year contract. It could go above $16 million.
Signing Patrick takes the Broncos down to around 20 potential unrestricted free agents. They have about eight starters who are up. This will make the offseason busy for general manager George Paton.
Plus, there could be a lot of changes in the offseason. The team could be sold. A losing season could lead to a head coaching change. But the Broncos are very good at wide receiver. Jerry Jeudy is one of the best young receivers in the league. K.J. Hamler is on injured reserve with an ACL tear. Jeudy and Hamler still have two years left on their contracts.
But at least Patrick is taken care of.
