The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be rather set at running back entering 2025 NFL training camp. So set, in fact, the team might not have space on its roster for veteran Cordarrelle Patterson.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo argued Patterson, who has made first-team All-Pro four times in his NFL career, could be released during the preseason.
“Cordarrelle Patterson, once one of the NFL’s elite return men, could find himself on the outside looking in,” DeFabo wrote. “The Steelers’ backfield is full with rookie Kaleb Johnson and offseason signing Kenneth Gainwell joining Jaylen Warren.
“It remains to be seen if OC Arthur Smith will lobby for the hybrid RB/WR to remain on the roster as a Swiss Army knife.”
Patterson earned first-team All-Pro nominations during the 2013, 2016, 2019 and 2020 seasons. He was also on second-team All-Pro in 2015 and 2018.
Although Patterson hasn’t been an All-Pro in five years, he experienced his best seasons as a running back with the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-22.
Should Steelers Cut RB Cordarrelle Patterson?
Immediately after the NFL passed its new kickoff rule, the Steelers signed Patterson to a two-year, $6 million contract. The obvious hope was Patterson would ignite the Steelers return game.
Because of his experience in Atlanta as an offensive weapon with play caller Arthur Smith, Patterson figured to also have an opportunity as a depth running back and pass-catcher.
But unfortunately, none of that became a reality for Patterson and the Steelers. In 13 games during 2024, Patterson posted 135 rushing yards on 4.2 yards per carry. He also had 80 receiving yards on 12 catches.
On special teams, the former All-Pro averaged 21.8 yards per return, which was 10 yards fewer than what he posted in 2022.
Overall, the Steelers were last in average yards per kickoff return during 2024. That was an obvious disappointment after adding a former All-Pro returner.
Patterson’s versatility has always been attractive to NFL teams. But in 2024, he didn’t excel in any one area. He will likely have to show better production as a returner or prove he can be a reliable backup running back to keep his roster spot in Pittsburgh.
Steelers RB Depth Entering Training Camp
Patterson didn’t have a great 2024 season, but he’s a cut candidate because of who the Steelers added at running back this offseason.
Despite losing Najee Harris in free agency, Pittsburgh’s running back depth chart is pretty full. The Steelers selected Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft and signed veteran Kenneth Gainwell.
The Steelers also placed a tender on Jaylen Warren, which essentially didn’t allow him, a restricted free agent, to leave.
With those three running backs, Patterson might be the RB4 in Pittsburgh this season. But even that’s not guaranteed.
The Steelers also signed veteran Trey Sermon, who was a 2021 third-round pick. He could push Patterson for backfield opportunities during training camp.
Running backs Evan Hull and Max Hurleman are also on Pittsburgh’s offseason roster.
The Steelers also aren’t guaranteed to keep four running backs on their Week 1 roster because Smith loves tight ends and could want extra depth at that position. On June 30, Pittsburgh acquired veteran Jonnu Smith and didn’t part with another tight end.
If Patterson isn’t going to contribute on special teams, it’s hard to see the Steelers finding a spot for Patterson on the 53-man roster. The team has too many other running backs and tight ends to try and squeeze on the depth chart.
