Mar 26, 2024, 5:35 p.m. ET
ORLANDO, Fla. — Hours after the NFL adopted a new kickoff rule, The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract with versatile returner Cordarrelle Pattersonleague sources revealed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Steelers have agreed to a two-year deal with Cordarrelle Patterson, sources revealed to ESPN. Todd Kirkland/Getty Images
after one historically low rate of kickoff returns in 2023 seasonthe amended rules are expected to emphasize return play, lor that makes Patterson’s role crucial.
Patterson, who played with now-Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith with the Atlanta Falcons, has nine career kick return touchdowns since entering the NFL in 2013, making him the NFL’s all-time leader in the category. He has three times as many kick return touchdowns as any other player in that span, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The last time the Steelers scored a touchdown on a kick return was when JuJu Smith-Schuster drove 96 yards to the end zone against the Cleveland Browns in 2017.. The team has struggled to find a consistent return man, using a mix of players in the 2023 season that included former practice squad member Godwin Igwebuike and running back Anthony McFarland.
Patterson saw a reduced role with the Falcons in 2023, in part due to additional personnel and the NFL’s previous changes to the kickoff rule, which made touchbacks more frequent. He set career lows in returns (7), return yards (153) and yards per return (21.9) last season.
On offense, where he had found the greatest opportunities of his career starting at age 30, had 50 carries for 181 yards (his lowest totals since 2019) and nine receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown, his worst numbers since 2015, his third year in the league.
Patterson, 33, became a hybrid running back/receiver with the Falcons, often lining up in Smith’s offensive formations, producing career-best season with 1,166 yards from scrimmage (618 rushing yards, 548 receiving yards) in 2020.
He was chosen 29th overall in the 2013 draft by the Minnesota Vikings.. Since then, he has played in 170 games (60 starts) and has 514 carries for 2,511 yards and 22 touchdowns along with 298 receptions for 2,795 yards and 16 touchdowns. THe has also played for the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders.
In addition to his record, Patterson is No. 17 all-time in kick return attempts (273), ninth in yards (7,989) and third in kick return average at 29.3, behind Gale Sayers (30.6 from 1965 to 1971) and Lynn Chandnois. (29.6 of 1950-56).
ESPN’s Michael Rothstein contributed to this report.
2024-03-26 22:13:35
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