According to reports, the New England Patriots are making yet another off-season trade. Per Pardon My Take, the Patriots are expected to acquire wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson from the Oakland Raiders. The trade is not yet official, and thus terms have not yet been released.
Breaking – Reports out of Oakland, recurring guest WR Cordarrelle Patterson expected to be traded to the Patriots per sources. Please credit
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) March 18, 2018
Report: New England Patriots Expected to Acquire Cordarrelle Patterson
After spending the first four years of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, Patterson spent the 2017 season with the Raiders. Patterson recorded 31 receptions for 309 yards in his lone season with Oakland, while also adding an additional 121 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Additionally, Patterson served as the team’s primary kick returner.
Patterson initially entered the league as a first-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2013 NFL Draft. Ironically enough, the Vikings actually traded with the Patriots for the rights to that pick. Patterson flashed great athleticism as both a receiver and a special teamer his rookie year.
Despite a poor quarterback situation, Patterson finished his rookie year with 45 receptions for 469 yards and four touchdowns. Additionally, Patterson ran the ball 12 times for 158 yards and three touchdowns. However, his work as a returner was what made him special in 2013.
Patterson returned 43 kicks that season for 1,393 yards, including a 109-yard touchdown return. His 32.4 yards per return led the league, along with his two touchdown returns. Patterson took home First-Team All-Pro honors while also earning his first Pro Bowl nomination.
While Patterson never managed to become a consistent receiver, his work in the return game has remained among the best in the league. Patterson led the league in kickoff returns for touchdowns and yards per kickoff return in three of his five seasons and has been named All-Pro twice.
If this trade comes to fruition, this will be the third trade of the off-season for New England. Previously, they acquired defensive tackle Danny Shelton and cornerback Jason McCourty from the Cleveland Browns in two separate trades.
