Detroit Lions Acquire Young Kicker From Jacksonville Jaguars

The Detroit Lions have been proactive in their pursuit of kicker talent, as they made a move to acquire Riley Patterson from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Initially on the verge of being released by the Jaguars, Patterson caught the attention of the Lions who swiftly secured his services. This trade saw the Lions give up a conditional seventh-round pick in the 2026 draft to bring Patterson to Detroit.

The #Jaguars aren't releasing kicker Riley Patterson after all: They traded him to the #Lions. Patterson kicked in seven games for Detroit in 2021.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 25, 2023

The Jaguars' decision to sign Brandon McManus as their kicker made Patterson surplus to requirements in Jacksonville.

However, the Lions saw potential in Patterson and recognized his impressive track record. Over his two seasons in the NFL, Patterson boasts an impressive 88% field goal success rate, including his time with the Lions in 2021.

Jags Legend Riley Patterson will be missed pic.twitter.com/IJTx3zLCkX

— RidleySZN (@CRidleySZN) May 25, 2023

Last season alone, he converted 30 out of 35 field goals and 36 out of 37 extra point attempts.

With this acquisition, Patterson joins the Detroit Lions' roster, putting the current kickers Michael Badgley and John Parker Romo on notice.

Patterson will now have the opportunity to compete for the starting kicker position in Detroit during the upcoming summer, bringing an added level of competition and depth to the team's kicking game. Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports