Done Deal: Just In Steelers Confirm The Signing Of Another Top Experienced Star

Steelers sign Cordarrelle Patterson to a two-year contract to bolster their return game, according to an AP source.
Cordarrelle Patterson, a seasoned running back and kickoff return specialist, has agreed to a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Cordarrelle Patterson, a seasoned running back and kickoff return specialist, has agreed to a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Associated Press was informed by a source with knowledge of the agreement that the contract is worth a total of $6 million. Because it had not been announced, the individual talked to the AP under the condition of anonymity.

The 33-year-old Patterson, who is versatile, played for the Atlanta Falcons for the previous three seasons. Four-time All-Pro Patterson provides the Steelers with experience to assist them adapt to the new kickoff rules in place by the league, which are meant to result in more returns.Throughout his 11-year career, Patterson has returned nine kickoffs for touchdowns while playing for Minnesota, Oakland, New England, Chicago, and Atlanta. Patterson has seven kickoff returns of 100 yards or more and has three times led the league in kickoff return average.

Over his career, Patterson has performed a range of roles. He played wide receiver and kick returner for the Patriots, Vikings, and Raiders. He saw more action out of the backfield during his time in Atlanta and Chicago. Despite rushing for over 600 yards in 2021 and 2022, Patterson’s position with the Falcons decreased in favor of rookie Bijan Robinson during the previous season.

For years, the Steelers have struggled to identify a game-changing player for their return game. Last season, Pittsburgh’s longest kickoff return was only 37 yards, and they divided the task among several guys, averaging 23.5 yards per return.

Patterson and Arthur Smith, the former coach of the Falcons and current offensive coordinator for Pittsburgh, are reunited via the transaction. The Steelers are not expected to deploy Patterson in the running game. With Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh boasts one of the best one-two punches in the NFL.