Pittsburgh Steelers News: Steelers Sign Cordarrelle Patterson to Two-Year Deal
The Pittsburgh Steelers have expanded their arsenal of offseason weapons. Cordarrelle Patterson, a running back, has been acquired by the Steelers on a two-year, $6 million contract, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, who made the announcement on X.
Under head coach Arthur Smith, Patterson played for the Atlanta Falcons for the previous three seasons. Smith, who was probably a key player in the Steelers’ decision to sign Patterson, is currently their offensive coordinator.
Even though 2023 was a low year for him, Patterson was still able to return kickoffs and punts for 21.9 yards per return. Since joining the league in 2013, he has established himself as one of the top returners in the NFL.
On December 24, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Cordarrelle Patterson (#84) of the Atlanta Falcons searches for yards during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts. Now that Cordarrelle has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers,… Further
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This signing is even more important for the Steelers because the new kickoff rule was just approved by the NFL. The hybrid rule will combine the kickoff return systems from the former XFL and the NFL, changing the way clubs approach kickoffs.
The requirement to return the ball if it lands between the goal line and the 20-yard line is one of the biggest modifications. To pursue the ball carrier, ten members of the kicking team can set up shop on the other side’s 40-yard line. On the other hand, in order to stop the kicking team, the receiving team may position up to nine players on the 30- to 35-yard line.
Since Patterson can move quickly, the plan will probably be to pass the ball to him so that the guys on the receiving team may block the kicking teams, gaining a lot of yards in the process.
The new kickoff regulation is intended to prevent players from racing across the field and colliding with one another. To improve player safety, the defenders’ field has been significantly reduced.
Teams will need to drastically alter their kickoff strategy, and the Steelers may have read the writing on the wall by choosing to sign a dynamic returner, which should improve their chances of starting from a favorable field position.
It may be challenging to pursue one of the top kickoff returners in the league, but clubs will likely have to experiment a lot with how they position their players. Omar Khan, the general manager of the Steelers, is picky about the players he signs, and with the new rules in place, Patterson might be among the most important additions in free agency.
