Tag: Shea Patterson

Contract details for new Chiefs QB Shea Patterson

The Kansas City Chiefs added Patterson on a three-year deal.

The Kansas City Chiefs recently added undrafted free agent QB Shea Patterson of Michigan. While the initial report didn’t specify, we now know that the Chiefs gave Patterson a multi-year deal. If he sticks in Kansas City for all three years, the contract is worth just under $2.3 million.

Here is a look at the base salary and cap numbers courtesy of OverTheCap:

Year Base Salary Cap Hit Dead Cap
2020 $610,000 $610,000 –
2021 $780,000 $780,000 –
2022 $895,000 $895,000 –

The first thing you’ll notice about this contract is that it carries no guaranteed money. That means the Chiefs can cut him at any time with no salary cap repercussions. That’s not all that surprising given the fact that Patterson is competing for the No. 3 QB job in Kansas City.

The fact that this is a multi-year deal certainly leaves the door open for Patterson to stick around beyond being just a training camp body. He could perhaps fill that same type of role as Kyle Shurmur did in 2019. He’s unlikely to make the 53-man roster but could spend the year running the scout team and learning on the practice squad.

Patterson will have to beat out his old teammate Jordan Ta’amu for that to happen. Patterson was unable to do so back at Mississippi, which ultimately led to his transfer to Michigan. That’ll be an interesting dynamic to consider as things progress throughout the offseason with the Chiefs.

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Shea Patterson finally signs with NFL team as undrafted free agent

Finally, the former Wolverines quarterback gets his shot at the next level.

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The nightmare for former Michigan quarterback Shea Patterson is finally over.

Patterson went undrafted, which was disappointing considering that he was a former five-star, the top pro-style quarterback in the 2016 recruiting class. But even more disappointing was the fact that he also wasn’t signed as an undrafted free agent, the only invitee to the NFL Scouting Combine this year to not be scooped up by some team.

However, not only has that changed, more than a week after the draft, but he’ll be joining a very friendly locker room, and one that is full of elite talent.

According to a report, Patterson is signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The reigning Super Bowl champions seem to be quite keen on former Wolverines. Now Patterson will have the opportunity to back up star QB Patrick Mahomes along with former Michigan QB Chad Henne, who just re-signed this offseason.

The Chiefs already had former defensive end Frank Clark on the roster as one of their starters. But they also drafted Mike Danna in the fifth-round of the 2020 NFL Draft and just signed Taco Charlton to a one-year deal this week.

Additionally, Kansas City picked up Lavert Hill, who like Patterson, also inexplicably went undrafted. The Chiefs picked up Hill immediately upon the culmination of the NFL draft.

So where as other teams in the NFL have had a lot of Michigan talent, the Chiefs will enter the rest of the offseason with an astounding six former Wolverines on the roster with Patterson now in the fold.

Chiefs to sign undrafted Michigan QB Shea Patterson

The Kansas City Chiefs have added Michigan QB Shea Patterson as an undrafted free agent.

The Kansas City Chiefs have added another player to their quarterback room. According to a new report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Chiefs plan to sign former Michigan Wolverines QB Shea Patterson. Pelissero’s report was later confirmed by Yahoo Sports’ Terez Paylor. Patterson joins Patrick Mahomes, Chad Henne and Jordan Ta’amu in the QB room in Kansas City.

Of the 337 players in attendance at the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine, Shea Patterson was the only remaining player who hadn’t been drafted or signed by a team. Now he’ll get a chance to learn from one of the brightest QB minds in the NFL in Andy Reid. He’ll also get a chance to learn from one of the best QBs in the league in Mahomes.

Developing…

Undrafted and unsigned, Shea Patterson reacts to his current reality

As of Monday, the former Wolverines QB is unsigned, but he reacted to Twitter at being undrafted and no teams picking him up.

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Throwing for 8,800 yards, 68 touchdowns to 27 interceptions for an average of just over 60% in his four-year career, Shea Patterson hoped, if not expected, to have his name called in the 2020 NFL Draft.

It wasn’t.

Still, given his playmaking ability, having achieved the second and ninth-best single seasons in Michigan football history — seventh all-time, in just two years — Patterson expected a call, an invitation to join an NFL roster.

That, also, didn’t come, apparently.

Patterson, a former five-star and the top-rated quarterback in the 2016 recruiting class, has faced his fair share of adversity. He played at two different schools, for four different offensive coordinators. At both locations, he was a fan favorite until he wasn’t. No, he never quite lived up to the hype, but he showcased that he was more than serviceable.

But it still wasn’t enough.

It’s Monday, and he has yet to sign with any team as an undrafted free agent. There’s a cadre of both a subsect of Michigan fans as well as rival groups from across the nation that have taken to social media to delight in Patterson’s seeming demise.

How did Patterson respond? By thanking his teammates on Saturday night via Instagram.

Despite the perceptions — he wasn’t outright named a team captain at the outset of the 2019 season, but was an alternate — he always showed moxie. But more importantly, he always had his teammates’ back.

Again, he wasn’t the perfect quarterback, but he got to live a literal dream, running up, touching the banner, and playing football in The Big House while wearing a winged helmet. Though that subset of vocal, angry Michigan fans who just yearn for wins over Ohio State clamored for Dylan McCaffrey, Joe Milton, or anyone else, he still persevered, becoming the first-ever Wolverines QB to throw for over 300 yards in three consecutive games. And there’s a lot of great ones who have worn that maize and blue under center.

Whether his time comes or not, Patterson seems to be maintaining that positive attitude, that fearlessness that led him to Oxford, to Ann Arbor, to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and to the NFL Scouting Combine. While it might not have worked out, he posted to Twitter on Monday, letting the world know that he’ll be waiting for that call to prove his mettle.

Patterson’s game is imperfect. Perhaps he faced too much adversity, too many obstacles to climb. Donned a savior at two intercollegiate institutions, he showed flashes of greatness, but never brought either team to the Promised Land.

Love him or hate him, he’s a player who’s constantly shown his guts on the football field. He’s won games and he’s lost games — the majority of the former in Michigan Stadium, where he only has a No. 1 in the loss column. On a team that itself was imperfect, he gave the Wolverines chances to win more than surrendering to losses. Even with his final throw in a Michigan uniform, in a then-insurmountable deficit to Alabama in the VRBO Citrus Bowl, Patterson gave it his all, hurling the ball downfield. It was intercepted by Josh Jobe, but he never stopped trying to win.

Perhaps a team in the NFL will recognize that and give him a chance. Perhaps not. But one thing is for sure: he’s proven his mettle repeatedly, and he can do it again.

2020 NFL Draft: Why the Jets should take a quarterback

With the Jets in need of a backup quarterback, they could take one in the later rounds in the 2020 NFL Draft.

The Jets don’t need a starting quarterback, not with Sam Darnold in the fold for years to come. They do, however, lack depth behind him, which is why it wouldn’t be surprising if they drafted a gunslinger later this week.

New York has two other quarterbacks on the active roster in David Fales and Mike White. Neither of them has proven that they’re capable backup quarterbacks, however, and the Jets have found themselves in need of one in each of Darnold’s first two seasons in the league.

Darnold has missed a combined six games due to a foot strain and mononucleosis. In those six games, the Jets are winless. Darnold hasn’t proven that he can play a full season and the Jets haven’t shown they can win without him.

It wouldn’t come as a shock if the Jets sign a veteran signal-caller in free agency, but what about drafting a quarterback in the later rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft?

According to the Daily News’ Manish Mehta, the Jets had virtual meetings with five quarterbacks: Princeton’s Kevin Davidson, Florida International’s James Morgan, Michigan’s Shea Patterson, Virginia’s Bryce Perkins and Iowa’s Nate Stanley. All are potential mid-to-late-round picks, which is all New York could afford to spend on a backup QB given other holes on the roster.

The Jets have one pick in the fourth round, one in the fifth round and two in the sixth round. Any of those picks could be used to draft a quarterback. None of those names are going replace Darnold at the top of the depth chart — and they may not even be viable backups right away — but the Jets could at least attempt to develop their own guy in Adam Gase’s offense and hope he turns into a reliable emergency option.

A new signal-caller is far from Gang Green’s most pressing need, but with a few options to choose from, don’t be surprised if the Jets add another quarterback with the hopes of him becoming Darnold’s understudy.

2020 NFL draft: Shea Patterson scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Michigan quarterback prospect Shea Patterson

Shea Patterson | QB | Michigan

Elevator Pitch

The former Ole Miss transfer was expected to take Michigan to new heights under Jim Harbaugh. Unfortunately for Patterson, while he showed flashes of what he could be it never became a sustained level of play. He will likely be competing for a bottom of the roster spot or practice squad arm in 2020.

Vitals

Height | 6-1

Weight | 212

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

The former five-star quarterback recruit is obviously athletically gifted. He is able to use that talent to create off script. He does a good job of running the spread and winning of play fakes and read options but doesn’t possess enough of an arm to be a straight drop back quarterback. His mobility is on full display with how he can get outside the pocket and put pressure on defenses.

His ability to navigate the pocket when avoiding the rush is remarkable. He is a better passer when on the move. He will miss easy throws but makes a few per game that make you question where he was going but it works for him. The flashes give you the idea that he is capable of raising the bar on his play.

Weaknesses

The biggest concern with Patterson is his mechanics. He has a below average arm for a NFL quarterback so he needs to win with technique and form. His passes don’t come out clean which definitely hurts any velocity that he could put on the throw. He will show flashes of cleans passes but they are few and far between.

With Patterson, it is easy to play coverage on deep throws. His inability to drive the ball downfield allows defenders underneath to have a shot at interceptions. His decision making leaves a lot to be desired as well, as he locks onto his target and will force the ball to his target regardless of the situation.

Pocket presence can also be a bit concerning. More often than not he puts himself in precarious situations based on the fact that he doesn’t sense pressure well enough. This forces him to attempt to leave the pocket and drop his eyes on passing plays.

Projection: UDFA

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2020 NFL Combine: 5 QB’s for the Eagles to watch

2020 NFL Combine: 5 QB’s for the Philadelphia Eagles to watch

The Philadelphia Eagles are always in the business of developing quarterback talent for the purpose of turning a talented signal-caller into compensation.

With Nate Sudfeld a free agent and Josh McCown possibly retiring again, the Eagles could look towards the draft for another quarterback after 2019 fifth-round pick, Clayton Thorson never materialized.

Here are five quarterbacks for the Eagles to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine:

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1. Jalen Hurts — Oklahoma

Hurts is not your typical drop-back passer, but in today’s NFL, he doesn’t have to be. The Eagles use RPO principles similar to what Hurts used at Oklahoma and he has some familiarity with a pro-style offense thanks to his time at Alabama.

During his final season of college football, at Oklahoma, Hurts led the Sooners to the Big 12 title and a playoff appearance while earning third-team Associated Press All-American, Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year, and first-team all-conference honors.

Hurts completed 69.7 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns with eight interceptions in 14 starts.

Hurts is a playmaker but needs to improve his anticipation and accuracy.

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Of Michigan fans, players, Shea Patterson and pitfalls of social media

Why some fans need to get a grip.

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No matter how often it’s said, in its annual rote, always by yet another personality, ‘We don’t pay attention to that stuff,’ is a lie. Though a purposeful one. A useful one.

Sticks and stones.

This is not particular to the Michigan fanbase, but in all of sports. While the bulk of any fandom are likely generally appreciative, win or lose so long that the effort is in the right place, it’s always the malcontents that are loud and vocal. Yes, those in the former category can find themselves frustrated after — say — the last five years of Michigan football, after what was anticipated following the hire of Jim Harbaugh.

But then you have those in the latter.

We’ve seen our fair share of it after games, win or lose, over the past few years. Much of the recent ire has been directed at quarterback Shea Patterson. Whether he had a good game or a bad one, the mentions on social media — Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, various website message boards — were relentless in their loathing. But by fans of the team that he plays for.

Throughout the season, Patterson, when he’d meet with the media, would inevitably say something to the effect of the aforementioned dismissal about not paying attention, but, like any other young adult, social media is impossible to ignore. It’s hard to not read the comments, especially when they’re directed right at you.

As he told the media at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, he eventually does see the comments, but he does his best to shrug them off.

“Me, personally I try to stay off it as much as possible, especially around game time, but it’s tough,” Patterson said. “When you look that Sunday after a game when you didn’t play too well, or throughout the week, it’s just random. Guys will tweet stuff at you and come out of nowhere and sometimes it won’t even make any sense.

“I think having that mindset it’s all part of it and it doesn’t affect who you are a person or as a player. You control what you can control. No other man or woman has the right to mess with you mentally. As long as you’re a strong enough person to know who you are, that’s how you deal with it.”

He continued:

“Man, there’s a lot of bad stuff out there right now. I couldn’t really pinpoint one. There’s a lot of negativity. Just got to stay positive with it.”

Like I said, it’s emblematic to any large fanbase, not just Michigan. There’s a reason I came to appreciate former Ohio State QB J.T. Barrett, and it entirely has to do with the things I heard his own fans yell at him in 2016 while I was on the sideline at field level, But still, it doesn’t compute.

There’s a difference between acknowledging that a player had a bad game — Patterson’s had a few of those, but many of his detractors wouldn’t even acknowledge when he had a good throw, let a lone a good game — and a good one. And those who throw on Michigan jerseys, singing about being the ‘leaders and best’ moments before they launch into a message board tirade, or tweeting their displeasure directly to the quarterback himself in the heat of passion. ‘That’s the life they live,’ they likely explain to themselves about what it’s like being in the spotlight like Patterson, having no idea the work and effort it takes just to get and stay there, let alone the ridiculousness of the criticism beyond the standard.

Given his tumultuous tenure in Ann Arbor, it seems unlikely that Patterson will be remembered as a fan favorite. But his numbers suggest he should be. He finishes with the second (2019) and ninth-best (2018) single seasons passing by yardage in Michigan history. In just two seasons, he’s seventh in career passing, ahead of Jim Harbaugh and Tom Brady, but behind Chad Henne, John Navarre, Elvis Grbac, Devin Gardner, Denard Robinson and Todd Collins. He has the fifth and tenth-best games in Michigan history — 2019 against MSU and Indiana, respectively. He’s sixth in career passing touchdowns. Fourth and sixth in single season variety. And has the second-most touchdowns thrown in a game in a Michigan uniform.

But, he won’t go down as one of the best to do it in a winged helmet. Those who want to say things about him never beating Ohio State tend to overlook Chad Henne’s lack of having done so, or have glowing memories of Jake Rudock’s single season in Ann Arbor, but aren’t willing to give Patterson the same pass.

This is just one case. Of many. I’m not singling out Patterson saying he deserves a statue next to Bo or anything of the sort. But both on the record and off, I’ve heard it time and time again from players, current and former. There’s a reason Zach Gentry, after a bad game in Columbus in 2018, quit social media. And it wasn’t because of unruly OSU fans provoking him. There’s a reason why others choose to go on sabbatical from Twitter once the season starts, because the negativity can be too much.

The spotlight might be what you sign up for when you choose a school like Michigan, but that doesn’t mean that they should have insults hurled at them every time they don’t make a play. If they’re on vacation in May, basically the only month they have off, they shouldn’t get a bevy of ‘you should be using this time to work on beating Ohio State’ just because they’re finally able to take a minute to themselves.

And for those who don’t think it matters, one very high-level recruit that Michigan is targeting told me recently that part of his rubric in finding his choice of school is a fanbase that supports their own, through better or worse. It matters.

To the many of you who don’t do any of this, good on you. You don’t have to always love the team you love, but you understand that those players have skin in the game that you don’t, and you don’t take it too seriously.

To the others, the vocal minority, the ones who knew before you opened this that I’m talking directly at you: find a way to better exemplify Michigan’s ‘leaders and best’ motto, instead of making a mockery of it. And if you’re not a Michigan fan, just be better. There’s more to life, for all of us, than this game we love to watch.

And those you’re attacking know it better, know it more personally, than the rest of us. For better and worse.

Special thanks to Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors for providing us with Patterson quotes from the NFL Scouting Combine.

Detroit Lions All-University of Michigan mock draft

With mock drafts coming in left and right, ever curious to see what if the Detroit Lions drafted from just the University of Michigan? It may not be as crazy as you might think.

Mock drafts are everywhere right now and the majority of them have the Detroit Lions taking either Jeffery Okudah, Chase Young, Derrick Brown, or Isaiah Simmons with their first pick.

After a while, the mundanity can set in seeing the same few players getting slated to the Lions, so we at Lions Wire decided to add a twist to traditional mock drafts by introducing a series of mock drafts that select prospects exclusively from one school.

To kick off the series, we are staying in-state and beginning with the University of Michigan.

Round 1

Pre-combine there may be only one Wolverine that might receive first-round consideration, interior offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz.

Ruiz has been gaining steam as of late to a point being regarded as the top interior lineman in the draft. He a versatile chess piece having played both center and guard while at Michigan and can fit into any scheme. With his strong mobility in space and heavy anchor, he was the highest-graded pass blocking center in 2019 through PFF. With it looking more likely Graham Glasgow leaves in free agency, the Lions could look to dip their toes in another versatile Michigan lineman to help the offensive line.

The Lions are too far up in the draft to take Ruiz, but if the Lions make a trade and acquire the 26th pick from the Dolphins, the Lions could theoretically take Ruiz to shore up the gaps that plaque the offensive line at the bottom of the first round. If Ruiz has a strong showing at the combine, he could boost his draft stock and go from a fringe first-round prospect to a sure one.

The Lions have a need at Ruiz’s position and he could anchor the vacant guard spot for years to come.

Round 2

I feel like there are two Michigan products the Lions could tag as their second-round pick, JACK linebacker Joshua Uche or receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. Uche enjoyed a major rise to his draft stock after a dominant showing at the Senior bowl and Lions fans instantly fell in love with the local product.

He was able to show he can handle not only edge rushing, but play sticky coverage on tight ends and running backs. With his versatility as a JACK/SAM linebacker, he screams fit for the Lions.

People-Jones production in Michigan was something left to be desired considering how much of big-bodied receiver he was but with the low level of targets, it’s hard to lay the blame solely on him. With his size, speed, and ball skills, he could easily be a productive receiver at the next level. Even though his route running could improve, he has the look of receiver coaches who would love to get their hands on.

Even though the Lions have another high second-round pick, one could make an argument for either player to be the Lions’ selection. Uche will help shore up a disappointing pass rush and People-Jones could become a versatile piece in the receiving corps. It would be tempting to give Matthew Stafford another weapon, but the Lions need to look at improving their defense and Uche will help in not only edge pressure, but strong coverage abilities where the Lions lack in their linebackers.

Round 3

The Wolverines had one of the more impressive offensive interior lines this past season and the Lions could look to double-dip into that talent by selecting guard Ben Bredeson in the third round after selecting Ruiz in the first round.

Bredeson might not be as athletic as his counterpart, Ruiz, but he makes up for it with strength and power. He will plant you in the ground and have a smile on his face doing it because he loves setting the tone early. With his strong physicality, he is a great fit in a man heavy scheme perfect for what the Lions what to do in the trenches.

Even though the Lions tagged Ruiz as their first-round pick, the guard spot is in a flux and could use more bodies and they could do worse than Bredeson manning one of those spots or provide a quality backup.

 Round 4/5

The Lions’ secondary could use some help and thankfully for them the Wolverines offer a couple of intriguing options Day 3 of the draft, cornerback Lavert Hill and linebacker/safety Khaleke Hudson.

Hill’s skill set allows him to play outside, but because of his size, he is more favored to play in the slot. Having only one season of starter experience his production is minimal, but between his sticky man coverage, strength, and ball skills, he could be a diamond in the rough in the later round. The Lions could use him a potential prodigy to Coleman and provide depth on the outside in case of injuries.

Hudson is going to be one of the player’s teams might not know how to use him having played the VIPER position during his Michigan tenure. Essentially think of Hudson as a poor man’s Isiah Simmions, a free-roaming defensive chess piece, having logged snaps at off-ball linebacker, edge defender, slot corner, box safety, and deep safety. If a smart team can get ahold of him and figure out the best way to use the versatile defender they could have a player who can match up well against offenses. Since the Lions love versatile players, Hudson could match up well, starting on special teams, but could work his way to defensive snaps.

With their second fifth-round pick, the Lions might have to reach a little bit to grab a Michigan player, but tight end Sean McKeon could match up well in the Lions offense. McKeon is of those versatile tight ends who could be a three-down player with strong skills at catching and blocking. He is a technical, smart player who understands how to use leverage to his advantage and either seal off defenders or find the open spot for the catch.

The Lions likely aren’t looking for a top tight end after taking T.J Hockenson in the first round last year and signing Jesse James to a big contract, but McKeon could be one of those players who can sneak in and provide quality play as a TE3 for the Lions.

Round 6

Late in this draft, you aren’t looking for someone to contribute immediately, but the Lions could select this once highly regarded prospect who they got a first-hand look at the Senior Bowl, quarterback Shea Patterson.

Even though Patterson showed good mobility and arm strength, accuracy has plagued him constantly. He has the ability to extend plays but might tend to panic quickly and take off if his first read isn’t available or take the check down option. Patterson does have the tangibles to slide into a backup role and maybe, with some good coaching, groom into something bigger. Since the Lions were able to coach Patterson at the Senior Bowl, they know what they are getting with him and possibly vision a role for him.

Summary

Here is how the Lions draft could shape up with all Michigan players:

Late 1st- Cesar Ruiz, C
2nd- Joshua Uche, JACK
3rd- Ben Bredeson, G
4th- Lavert Hall, CB
5th- Khaleke Hudson, LB/S
5th- Sean McKeon, TE
6th- Shea Patterson, QB

Now some of the players may be reaches at this time, but with the Combine still to go, it is hard to tell how the draft will play out. Uche, Bredeson, Hudson, McKeon, and previously mentioned Patterson all participated at the Senior Bowl, so the Lions got a personal look at the majority of these players and General Manager Bob Quinn love drafting from the Senior bowl.

The University of Michigan will be well represented with the second most participating players giving the Lions another opportunity to get a first-hand look at the players. So it’s not out of the realm of possibilities to see some of these players finding their way on the Lions roster come draft day.

Michigan second-most with 11 NFL Scouting Combine invites

The Wolverines have the second-most players invited to Indianapolis of any school in college football.

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NFL mock drafts have been all across the board as it pertains to Michigan. But it’s undeniable that the Wolverines has talent in 2019.

The maize and blue lost two draft-eligible juniors who declared, but also have nine seniors that very well could find their name picked come April in the NFL Draft.

But the road to Las Vegas starts later this month in Indianapolis with the annual NFL Scouting Combine, and the Wolverines boast the second-most invitees, tied with Ohio State with 11, but behind LSU who has 16.

That said, there’s a strong case to be made that all 11 could be drafted.

While most mocks to this point don’t include any now-former Michigan players in the first-round, we’ve seen some with center Cesar Ruiz near the tail end, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Josh Uche makes a push.

Here’s all 11 invitees:

  • Ben Bredeson, OL
  • Lavert Hill, DB
  • Khaleke Hudson, LB
  • Sean McKeon, TE
  • Josh Metellus, DB
  • Michael Onwenu, OL
  • Shea Patterson, QB
  • Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR
  • Cesar Ruiz, OL
  • Jon Runyan Jr., OL
  • Josh Uche, LB