ORLANDO, Fla. — On a day when the NFL adopted a radical new kickoff rule aimed at boosting the number of returns, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired one of the best returners in the business.
The Steelers agreed to terms with Cordarrelle Patterson, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, on a two-year contract, according to a league source.
Patterson, 33, is an 11-year veteran who has returned nine kickoffs for touchdowns in his career. He most recently did it in 2020 with the Chicago Bears. Since that time, as touchbacks prevailed in the NFL, Patterson had just 34 kickoff return attempts over three seasons in Atlanta.
Patterson played wide receiver when he entered the NFL in 2013 with the Minnesota Vikings. His versatility increased at the beginning of this decade, and he was listed as a running back with the Falcons.
Patterson exceeded 1,000 scrimmage yards with Atlanta in 2021 when he rushed for 618 yards and six touchdowns while catching 52 passes for 548 yards and five scores.
With the Steelers, Patterson will be reunited with his former head coach, Arthur Smith. The Steelers hired Smith as offensive coordinator after he served as Atlanta’s coach for three seasons. Patterson enjoyed most of his success in the NFL during those seasons.
