Mike Tomlin: Steelers not 'devoid' of options at returner following Cordarrelle Patterson release

With Cordarrelle Patterson getting his release before practicing with the Pittsburgh Steelers this summer, it has opened a spot at kickoff returner.

Patterson was given his official release Tuesday with one year remaining on his contract.

The Steelers thought they were getting a steal when they signed Patterson, the NFL’s all-time leader in kickoff returns for touchdowns, to a two-year contract in the 2024 offseason. The signing coincided with the NFL adapting its “dynamic” kickoff rule, which was implemented to increase the number of returns in the league.

Patterson had little impact with the Steelers, averaging 21.8 yards on just 11 attempts — or fewer than one per game. His longest return was 33 yards, and he had only two more tries than running back Jaylen Warren, who averaged 25.2 yards.

Warren could get a chance to replace Patterson as the primary kickoff returner. Kenneth Gainwell is another possibility. He averaged 25.3 yards per attempt on 18 kickoff returns last year with the world champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Coach Mike Tomlin also mentioned rookie running back Kaleb Johnson and second-year receiver Roman Wilson as potential replacements for Patterson.

“We’re not devoid of candidates,” Tomlin said. “I’m pretty comfortable with our pool of candidates. There is still some work to sort out.”

Tomlin has no plans to make a change at punt returner even though last year’s primary option, Calvin Austin III, is expected to take on a bigger role on offense this season.

Austin averaged 10.8 yards per return last year, and he had a 73-yarder for a touchdown against the New York Giants. He had the fifth-highest average and tied for the fifth-most attempts last year.

“I like him there,” Tomlin said. “He desires to be the best in the world, and he’s made some dramatic improvements. He was moving in that direction over the course of last season, and he’s excited about taking another step in that area.”