Steelers Are Now Most Likely Keeping This Veteran For One Solid Reason
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a lot of offseason moves that have significantly reshaped their roster heading into the upcoming season. With so many new additions and large departures, it’s easy for some returning players to fly under the radar. In the midst of all the change, one veteran’s continued presence on the team has sparked some curiosity among fans, and that’s running back Cordarrelle Patterson. While many have been focused on the new faces and rising rookies, Patterson remains a name that raises questions about his role and the reasoning behind keeping him on the roster.
This thought was shared by Steelers insider Mark Kaboly during a recent mailbag episode of his podcast, Kaboly + Mack, where fans had the chance to submit their questions. When asked which players might be at risk in the event of a player-for-player trade, Kaboly pointed to Patterson as someone who could potentially fit the role. According to Kaboly, Patterson’s current role on the roster makes him a strong candidate in that type of scenario.
"Maybe that's why they're holding onto Cordarrelle Patterson, I don't know," Kaboly said.
Patterson signed a modest two-year, $6 million deal with the Steelers during the 2024 offseason. Originally drafted in 2013, he’s had a lengthy NFL career and brings veteran experience to the roster. However, his production with the Steelers so far has been minimal. Following the recent release of running back Jonathan Ward, questions have started to rise about what Patterson’s true role on the team is.
Earlier in the offseason, the Steelers made a big move by choosing not to exercise the fifth-year option on former rushing yards leader Najee Harris. It became clear that the team was looking toward the future of their backfield. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected rookie running back Kaleb Johnson in the third round. Johnson’s selection has generated a lot of excitement among fans and analysts alike, with many hopeful about his potential to bring explosiveness and long-term value to the Steelers’ ground game.
The Steelers are currently in a solid financial position, with room to work under the salary cap. However, there are several significant potential moves looming that could come with a hefty price tag, which means every dollar will matter. While Patterson’s contract, valued at $3 million per year, might not seem outrageous when compared to the league’s top earners, it still stands out when looked at in comparison to other roster members. Kaboly even pointed out that Ward was on a league-minimum salary and emphasized that NFL teams often release players to save even smaller amounts of money.
One thing that adds to Patterson’s value on the Steelers' roster is his versatility, as he plays multiple positions. Patterson not only plays as a running back, but also serves as a return specialist on special teams. This kind of flexibility makes him a useful depth player, especially in a league where injuries are unfortunately very common. The Steelers themselves have dealt with their fair share of injuries across both offense and defense in recent seasons. Having a player like Patterson, who can step into different roles when needed, helps provide added security and options when the team needs it most.
Steelers And Patterson Looking To The Future
Even if the Steelers choose to let Patterson finish out his current contract, there’s only one year remaining on the deal. Given how long he’s been in the league, it’s clear that Patterson is nearing the end of his NFL career. The longevity of players careers in the league, especially for running backs, have taken a large hit in recent years. As a result, veterans like Patterson often find themselves in shorter-term roles as teams look to younger talent for long-term solutions.
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