It was reported Monday the Pittsburgh Steelers reached an agreement with free agent running back and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson.
Former Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson reached agreement on a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per sources. Patterson reunites with his former HC Arthur Smith. pic.twitter.com/e6KKF2QZKh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2024
The signing serves as a reunion with Arthur Smith, as the two spent three years together with the Atlanta Falcons. Patterson enjoyed a bit of a career resurgence after Smith converted him into a full-time running back prior to the 2021 season. Over the following two seasons, Patterson scored 19 touchdowns before slowing down in 2023. Despite being 33 years old with his best performances well behind him, Cordarrelle Patterson will bring value to the Steelers in 2024.
How Cordarrelle Patterson Signing Will Benefit Steelers in 2024
As a Kick Returner
To call Cordarrelle Patterson a kick return specialist would be an understatement. His nine career kick return touchdowns are the most in NFL history. He has led the NFL in kick return touchdowns in five seasons during his career, while leading the league in yards per kick return in three seasons. It is no coincidence the signing came soon after the league announced a new kickoff rule for 2024 which is expected to sharply decrease the number of touchbacks in NFL games.
Here’s the final summary on the NFL Hybrid Kickoff that owners approved today on a one-year trial basis. pic.twitter.com/FYKaytdwka
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 26, 2024
Due to the new rule bringing touchbacks out to the 30-yard line, teams will likely not kick the ball through the end zone on every kickoff. This change will open a lane for teams to gain more field position and overall value from their kick return unit. Insert Patterson. The Steelers haven’t enjoyed a kickoff return touchdown since the 2017 season. With the new kickoff rule producing more return opportunities and the addition of arguably the greatest kick returner of all time, that drought could finally come to an end in 2024.
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Finding a Role on Offense
Make no mistake about it; the majority of Patterson’s contributions to the Steelers will come as a returner. He will still play a role on the offensive side of the ball, though. Patterson will be the team’s number three running back. While Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are one of the NFL’s best running back duos, Patterson will still get some touches. Additionally, if either Harris or Warren get hurt throughout the season, Patterson has enough juice left to be a productive second running back. Two of Arthur Smith’s top strengths are building a strong rushing attack and getting the most out of Cordarrelle Patterson. Given their history together, expect Patterson to get his share of carries.
While he is a running back these days, don’t forget Patterson’s history as a wide receiver when considering his role on the Steelers. The team’s wide receiver room is very thin. That will undoubtedly change through the rest of the offseason, likely in the draft. Even if the Steelers use one of their first two picks on a wide receiver, they still won’t have a complete wide receiver room. Patterson will likely get some snaps in the slot or split out in the red zone. With strong blocking receivers like George Pickens and Van Jefferson, it’s not hard to envision Smith scheming some screens or sweeps to Patterson near the goal line.
Though he is not the player he once was, Cordarrelle Patterson is still an explosive athlete and a versatile player. Through returning kicks, getting some carries, and catching a couple passes, he will play a role in the Steelers plans to turn their abysmal offense around in 2024.
Main Photo Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
