Pittsburgh Steelers reach agreement with running back Cordarrelle Patterson

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a deal with running back Cordarrelle Patterson. He will reunite with former head coach Arthur Smith, who is now the offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh.

In what is a two-year deal for Patterson, he is now locked in with the Steelers. A nice addition to the roster amid the recent kickoff return rule changes implemented on Tuesday.

“Former Falcons RB Cordarrelle Patterson reached agreement on a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per sources,” Schefter said via X. “Patterson reunites with his former HC Arthur Smith.”

Patterson did not have the best numbers last season in Atlanta, rushing for 181 yards on 50 yards. Through the air, he caught nine passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. The Falcons had just drafted Bijan Robinson in the first round and utilized Tyler Allgeier as well.

A similar situation is present in Pittsburgh, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren occupying the backfield as a nice one-two punch. This could be Harris’ final season with the Steelers though, with a decision upcoming on his fifth-year option.

However, Patterson could bring value to the return game due to the new NFL rules. Kick returns are now coming back after a few years of consistent touchbacks. Patterson was one of the league’s best in the return game before rule changes phased that part of the game out.

Patterson led the NFL in kick return yards in 2019 and 2020, surpassing the 1,000-yard mark in the latter season. In his 11-year career, Patterson has at least one kickoff return touchdown in seven. The 2013 and 2015 seasons resulted in two scores.

Even before the rule change to basically eliminate kick returns last offseason, Patterson was not afraid to bring the ball out.

“Honestly, we had this talk as a team, really, and they know I’m going to bring it out,” Patterson said in Aug. 2023. “No matter where the ball is kicked at, coach is giving me the green light, no ifs, ands, or buts. That’s what I bring back there. I’m trying to do whatever I can to help my team gain that momentum on offense.”

The Steelers finished with 565 return yards last season on 24 attempts, good enough for seventh in the NFL. For reference, Green Bay led the way with 783 yards on 31 attempts.

Patterson being on the roster and recent rule changes means the Steelers could finish higher than No. 7 in the 2024 season.