Cordarrelle Patterson is back, and so are kickoff returns.
On a two-year contract for $6 million, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero revealed on Tuesday that the explosive and dynamic returner is on his way to Pittsburgh.
Patterson joins Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, his former coach in Atlanta, in Steel City, where he will be expected to play a major special teams role as a returner. He may also contribute to the offense as a runner and pass-catcher, much like he did in his Falcons days.
Because of Patterson and Smith’s past, it makes sense. However, the NFL’s implementation of a changed kickoff format—which was formally approved by ownership during the Tuesday Annual League Meeting—was arguably more significant.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network Insider, Patterson’s representative was in Orlando, awaiting word on the approval of the new structure. According to Garafolo, Patterson just needed a few hours to commit to a contract with the Steelers once the amendment received the necessary 24 votes.
With nine career kickoff return touchdowns, Patterson holds the NFL record. Over the last three seasons, he has established himself as a key component of Atlanta’s offense, accumulating 1,494 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground in addition to 82 receptions for 708 yards and six receiving touchdowns with the Falcons.
It will be fascinating to watch if the 33-year-old Steelers try to employ Patterson in a variety of capacities or if they just want to hold onto him for backup coverage. Expect the former given his past interactions with Smith, and be ready to observe how he handles returns in the new format.
