The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to fill quite a few holes in the 2025 NFL Draft. They have pressing needs like defensive tackle and quarterback stability, and with all the running backs they have interviewed, it seems like they believe that is a need as well. A little depth all around would not hurt either, which is why they have had Top 30 visits with some wide receivers and safeties. There is still plenty of time until the annual event, so nearly every option is still on the table for Pittsburgh.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan picks up the phone in the team's war room during the 2023 NFL Draft weekend.
During his weekly Q&A chat, insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about the likelihood of the Steelers going after a new return man, especially since the new kickoff rules have made touchbacks much less likely. Not only does it sound like a good idea to Fittipaldo, but he thinks that's exactly what Pittsburgh is trying to do in the draft.
"If you've noticed, a lot of the WR and RBs they've brought in for visits double as return specialists, so I think that's definitely on their radar," said Fittipaldo.
The Steelers signed Cordarrelle Patterson almost immediately after the new "dynamic kickoff" was implemented, as it was expected to benefit players like him. Once Devin Hester retired, Patterson quickly became the best returner of his generation, so it only makes sense that he would thrive with a format that works in the returner's favor.
However, that was not the case for Patterson in 2024. He had possibly his worst season as a return man last year with Pittsburgh, as he had a career-worst 21.8 yards per return. In fact, most kickoffs that went his way in the early part of the season were touchbacks, which had become a trend due to his nature for scoring touchdowns with multiple other teams.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson stiff-arms a Cleveland Browns defender during a home game in Pittsburgh.
Fittipaldo himself has been on record questioning the decision to keep Patterson on the 53-man roster as of late, especially with the addition of a younger running back/kickoff returner. At this point, it seems like he will be on the team throughout training camp, but his spot on the 53-man roster will not be handed to him. He will have lots of competition for the top return man job.
Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell have both shown that they can be quality returners, which means Patterson's spot is in jeopardy whether the Steelers draft a skill-position player or not. With touchbacks moving from the 30 to the 35-yard line, there should be more opportunities for everyone in the room to win the job.
Steelers' Top 30 Visits For Returners
Out of the 21 confirmed visits that either have been done or will happen soon, six of them are running backs, four of them are wide receivers, and one is a versatile safety that can do a little bit of everything. That's 11 players, which is just over half of the confirmed list. It's safe to say that Pittsburgh is prioritizing special teams with these visits.
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Former South Carolina safety, Nick Emmanwori returning an interception for a touchdown.
The Steelers have prioritized special teams for a long time now, and that is not going to change anytime soon. They are showing their hand a little bit with these visits by going after return men, especially for running backs. It seems like that will be their third-round pick, or fourth-rounder at the latest.
The Steelers will have no problem releasing Patterson if he fails to win his job back, as he would only cost $950,000 in dead cap. 2025 is the last year of his two-year contract anyways, and he would not be re-signed even if he has a great year since he is in his mid-30s. He had a great career, but it's likely time to find a new king of kickoff returns.
What do you think about the Steelers looking to potentially replace Patterson in the draft? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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