Jaguars sign PK Patterson to future deal
The Jacksonville Jaguars are welcoming a familiar face back to the building this summer.
Riley Patterson was signed to a futures deal by the club Monday, according to the league’s transaction wire. Patterson spent the 2022 season in Jacksonville before being traded to the Lions last May.
A reserve/future contract simply means the deal will not count against the 2023 league year’s salary cap, nor become official until the start of the new league year in March when rosters reset to the league’s 90-man offseason roster.
Patterson was replaced by former Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus. McManus is set to hit free agency after playing on a one-year deal with the Jaguars.
Now, the team might be looking to replace McManus or add competition by bringing Patterson back. McManus started the year strong in Jacksonville, missing just two kicks in the first 10 games, but missed five in the final seven games.
In 2022, Patterson connected on 85.7% of his kicks. He missed just one extra point, making 36of-37 in 17 games. Patterson made all three of his field goals in the playoffs, including a 36-yard game-winner against the Chargers to complete the greatest come-from-behind victory in Jaguars history.
Patterson was waived by Detroit in December after missing two extra points in three weeks. He finished his year with the Lions with an 88.2% field goal percentage, making 15 out of 17, including one kick from 50 or more yards. He made 35 out of 37 extra points.
He played in three games with the Cleveland Browns, including the team’s playoff loss to the Houston Texans.
Patterson was replaced by McManus, in part, because the team wanted a kicker with a stronger leg. During his year in Jacksonville, Patterson attempted just three field goals of 50 or more yards, making two. McManus attempted 10 this season, connecting on five.
McManus’ ability to consistently convert kickoffs into touchbacks was also coveted. McManus converted 75.6% of his kickoffs into touchbacks, while Patterson converted just 50% of his kickoffs into touchbacks in Jacksonville.