Steelers Not Promising Cordarrelle Patterson Anything: “There Will Be Some Level Of Competition”

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made significant improvements in several areas this offseason, including their special teams unit. They have upgraded their punter with signing Cameron Johnston and kick returner position by signing Cordarrelle Patterson to a two-year deal worth $6 million. Pittsburgh fans are thrilled to have one of the best return specialists in recent years joining their roster.

Patterson has enjoyed a lengthy career, playing various roles and making significant impacts on his teams, with his greatest success being as a return man. Fans expected him to be the primary return specialist for the Steelers, and he was given the iconic number 84, raising expectations even higher.

However, at 33 years old, some have raised concerns about Patterson's conditioning. Despite initial assumptions that he would be the starting return man, Brian Batko shared a different perspective on the North Shore Drive podcast. Batko is not entirely convinced that Patterson will be an unequivocal starter at return man in Pittsburgh.

"That's my only level of skepticism with bringing in Patterson for this job. Number one, he was pretty pedestrian last year, stats-wise. I'm not trying to write the guy's obituary as a return man or anything like that, but he is getting up there in age. He's [33] now-generally accepted wisdom that you lose a step the older that you get.”

Batko suggested Calvin Austin III as a potential challenger for Patterson's spot as the return man. Steelers Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith stated that he has no idea who will ultimately take the role, indicating his intention to keep his options open. This uncertainty has led pundits like Batko to further speculate on the situation.

"Guys like Calvin Austin with 4.3-type speed, that's partially what they were brought in to do as well. Maybe there will be some level of competition. It's interesting to me that Danny Smith said he has 'no idea' who will be returning kicks for him. Probably exaggerating on that and just doesn't want to show his cards.”

Patterson is getting older, and Batko believes he is coming off a down season. He entered the NFL as a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, starting his career with the Minnesota Vikings. He struggled to break out as a wide receiver, but was electric as a return man.

Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson Excelled Under Arthur Smith

Over the years, he has played for several teams and truly excelled as a running back under the coaching of Arthur Smith. Smith, now the new offensive coordinator for Pittsburgh, is expected to revitalize a struggling offense and was a strong advocate for bringing Patterson to the Steelers.

Patterson is a four-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, earning these accolades before teaming up with Smith at the Atlanta Falcons. Under Smith's coaching, Patterson became a touchdown machine, scoring 14 rushing touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Falcons. This is significant considering he has only scored 22 rushing touchdowns in his 11-year career, with more than half coming during his time with Smith. Clearly, Smith knows how to utilize Patterson's talents.

There is speculation about if and how Pittsburgh will incorporate Patterson into their offense. He has been used both as a receiver and a running back throughout his career. While no one knows the full plan for Patterson in Pittsburgh, it seems likely he will be the lead return man. Steelers fans are also curious to see if he has anything left in the tank to help the offense.

Austin is an exciting prospect who has generated a lot of buzz this offseason. With his speed, he is a real option for the return man role as well. Both Patterson and Austin should excite Pittsburgh fans in 2024, and fans are eager to see what role Patterson will have on his new team in the upcoming season.

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