(Pittsburgh) The Pittsburgh Steelers signed kick return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson to a two-year contract on Tuesday.
The contract is worth a total of six million US dollars according to what a source revealed to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not yet been confirmed.
Patterson, 33, spent the last three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. A four-time NFL All-Star selection, Patterson gives the Steelers a veteran to help them adjust to new kickoff regulations.
Patterson returned nine kickoffs for a touchdown during his 11-year NFL career, with the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears and Falcons. He led the NFL in return yards average three times and had seven punt returns of 100 yards or more.
Patterson has filled several roles during his career. He played receiver and punt returner with the Vikings, Raiders and Patriots. He was used more often in the backfield with the Bears and Falcons.
Patterson had over 600 rushing yards in 2021 and 2022, but saw his role with the Falcons diminish last season when rookie running back Bijan Robinson was in the lineup.
For years, the Steelers have struggled to find an impact player on punt returns. The longest return by the Pittsburgh team during the season was only 37 yards.