The Pittsburgh Steelers have added another weapon to their offseason arsenal. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network has announced on X that the Steelers have brought in return specialist and running back Cordarrelle Patterson on a two-year, $6 million deal.
#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. pic.twitter.com/owDMdEiagr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 26, 2024
Patterson spent the last three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, where he worked under head coach Arthur Smith. Smith has now joined the Steelers as their offensive coordinator and was likely instrumental in the team signing Patterson.
Despite having a down year in 2023, Patterson still managed 21.9 yards per return for kickoffs and punts in 2023. He has been one of the best returners in the NFL since his entrance in the NFL in 2013.
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What makes this signing far more significant for the Steelers is that the NFL just approved the new kickoff rule. The hybrid rule will combine the current NFL and past XFL kickoff return systems, which will alter the strategy that teams use for kickoffs.
One of the most significant changes is that any time a ball lands between the goal line and the 20-yard line, it must be returned. Ten players on the kicking team can line up on the opposing 40-yard line to chase down the ball carrier. Conversely, the receiving team can have up to nine players on the 30-to-35-yard marker to stop the kicking team.
Patterson is quick on his feet, so the strategy will likely be to get him the ball and allow the receiving team’s players to block out the kicking teams, resulting in huge yards gained.
The idea for the new kickoff rule is to ensure that players are not running across the field and slamming into one another. Instead, the field for defenders has been shortened by a great deal to increase player safety.
The kickoff game for teams will have to change dramatically, and the Steelers might have seen the writing on the wall when opting to sign a dynamic returner, which should enhance their chances of having a good field position.
There will be a lot of trial and error in terms of how teams line up their players, but it might be difficult to chase down one of the best kickoff returners in the league. Steelers general manager Omar Khan is very particular about the players he has signed, and Patterson could be one of the most significant players added in free agency with the new ruleset in place.
Patterson’s deal also does not break the bank, while adding a proven veteran to the Steelers’ running backs room.
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