Career Summary

Dean Patterson is a receiver who joined Tampa Bay after playing at FIU and Georgia Tech.

The Buccaneers signed Patterson, listed by the team as Dean Patterson IV, as a college free agent in May 2026.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

Early Life

Patterson is from Lutz, Florida.

FIU lists Lutz as his hometown. He attended nearby Steinbrenner High School before beginning his college football path at Findlay.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

High School

Patterson set receiving records at Steinbrenner High School.

In his 2019 senior season, he caught 58 passes for 847 yards and 11 touchdowns, setting school single-season records for receptions and receiving yards.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

College Career

Patterson played at Findlay, FIU and Georgia Tech.

After redshirting at Findlay in 2020, he spent four seasons at FIU. His 2024 season produced 50 catches, 685 yards and seven touchdowns.

He played all 13 Georgia Tech games in 2025, catching eight passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. His FIU and Georgia Tech totals were 106 receptions, 1,556 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

Path to the NFL

A Buccaneers rookie-minicamp tryout led to Patterson's signing.

Tampa Bay signed him as a college free agent on May 11, 2026, after he participated in the team's rookie minicamp as a tryout player.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

NFL Career

Patterson began his professional career with Tampa Bay.

As of September 15, 2026, the Buccaneers list him on the practice squad as receiver No. 81.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15

Career Accomplishments

Patterson earned second-team All-Conference USA honors in 2024.

His college contributions also included punt returns: FIU credits him with a Conference USA-leading 10.2-yard punt-return average in 2023.

Section reviewed 2026-09-15