Who Should I Start? Tim Patrick or Arian Smith

Friday, March 14, 1:02 PM

The Detroit Lions announced on Friday that they re-signed wide receiver Tim Patrick to an undisclosed deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. After missing all of the 2022 and 2023 seasons due to devastating injuries while with the Denver Broncos, Patrick latched on with Detroit's practice squad last fall and ended up playing in 16 regular-season games (nine starts) while contributing 33 catches on 44 targets for 394 yards and three touchdowns as the No. 3 wideout behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. The 31-year-old will return to a high-powered Lions offense that remains relatively unchained outside of a new offensive coordinator. Patrick could have some decent games again for the Lions in 2025, but unless St. Brown or Williams miss extended time due to injury, he'll be hard to justify as a flex option in standard 12-team fantasy leagues.

Saturday, July 26, 10:05 PM

New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith "is catching the eye of his teammates and coaches in training camp." The wideout, selected as the No. 110 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, finished his final collegiate season by amassing 817 yards and four touchdowns off 48 receptions. Since his arrival in New York, Smith has received praise because of his work ethic while having no issues "absorbing information." "He takes a lot of stuff in," said fellow wide receiver Josh Reynolds. "He is a good student and he transfers it to the field." Without question, Garrett Wilson is expected to remain the team's most productive receiver. However, it appears the No. 2 spot is up for grabs. While Smith may not see consistent playing time early on in the 2025 campaign, that could change if he continues to impress throughout training camp and during the season. Granted, Smith doesn't have any value in most redraft formats at the moment, but he's worth grabbing later in rookie drafts by those who can afford to be patient.