Steelers Make Another Stunning Move By Signing Former Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson

On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers continued to stay aggressive in the 2024 free agency period as they reportedly signed veteran running back and return man, Cordarrelle Patterson on a two-year deal worth $6 million.

The deal was first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. With recent news of the NFL updating its new kickoff rules, Patterson could be of great use. 

"Former Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson reached agreement on a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per sources. Patterson reunites with his former HC Arthur Smith."

Patterson is an extremely versatile utility player who has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, the then-Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and most recently, Atlanta Falcons. He played college football for the Hutchinson Blue Dragons before transferring to the Tennessee Volunteers. There, he was named First Team All-SEC. He was selected by the Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. 

Steelers Get Upgrade Before New Kickoff Rules Commence

The new rules for kickoffs for the league, as discussed in Orlando, FL this week at the NFL Annual Owners Meetings, involve a few different updates. The kickoff team will now have 10 players standing at the receiving team's 40-yard line. The kicker however, will still kick from the 35-yard line. The return team will have nine players in the "setup zone" (between the 35 and 30-yard lines), and they can have up to two players in the "landing zone" (between the goal line and the 20-yard line).

These new rules will follow a similar format to the one that originated in the XFL. For the Steelers, this could be somewhat potentially beneficial no matter who you look at it, as they ranked 18th in 2022 in kick return average (21.3), and 10th in 2023 (23.5). Patterson has a career average of 29.3.

"Falcons All-Pro and Pro Bowl returner Cordarrelle Patterson, one of the biggest-name free agents still available, is expected to sign with the #Steelers, sources say. He gets a 2-year, $6M deal. As the NFL has altered its kickoff rules, Patterson lands in PIT," added Ian Rapoport of NFL Network via X.

In recent seasons, the Steelers have used the likes of Gunner Olszewski, Anthony McFarland Jr., Desmond King, and most recently, Godwin Igwebuike. While those names have been serviceable at times, a mixture of injuries, fumbles, and lack of significant return yardage has held the Steelers back in this part of their game on special teams. With the addition of Patterson, along with the new kickoff rules, Steeler Nation should be excited for the possibilities to come in 2024. 

What are your thoughts on the Patterson signing? Is he a perfect fit for the new kickoff rules? Make sure to comment below!

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