The Pittsburgh Steelers have secured the services of experienced running back and kickoff return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson on a two-year contract. According to a source familiar with the agreement, the deal is valued at $6 million in total, as reported by The Associated Press. The individual who provided this information spoke anonymously to the AP because the deal had not yet been officially announced.
Bringing in the versatile 33-year-old Patterson, who has spent the last three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, is seen as a strategic move for the Steelers. With four All-Pro selections to his name, Patterson adds veteran expertise, particularly as the NFL implements new kickoff rules aimed at increasing return opportunities. Throughout his 11-year career spanning Minnesota, Oakland, New England, Chicago, and Atlanta, Patterson has demonstrated his prowess with nine kickoff returns for touchdowns. He has also led the league in kickoff return average on three occasions and boasts seven returns of 100 yards or more.
Patterson’s adaptability has been a hallmark of his career. Initially a wide receiver and kick returner with the Vikings, Raiders, and Patriots, he transitioned to a more versatile role, including playing out of the backfield during his stints with the Bears and Falcons. While his rushing yardage exceeded 600 yards in both 2021 and 2022, his role diminished last season with the Falcons due to the emergence of rookie Bijan Robinson.
The Steelers have long struggled to find a standout performer in their return game. Last season, their longest kickoff return was just 37 yards, with an average return of 23.5 yards while rotating through several players for the job.
This deal also marks a reunion between Patterson and former Falcons coach Arthur Smith, who now serves as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator. It’s improbable that Pittsburgh will utilize Patterson extensively in the running game, given the presence of star running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, forming one of the NFL’s most formidable backfield duos.
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