The Pittsburgh Steelers have given their offense a makeover this offseason, and bringing in Cordarrelle Patterson, someone experienced with new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, is part of that overhaul. Patterson spoke on his role with the Steelers, saying that he will be ready for whenever he is needed.
“I'm not coming in here to step on anybody's toes,” Cordarrelle Patterson said, via Adam Borst of Steelers Now. “I know my role. I know what I can bring to this team so whatever they need me to do, I am that guy. If they don't need me until Week 8, I am here. I am here to help these guys get going.”
Patterson could be used in a variety of ways for the Steelers. On offense, Patterson could be used as a receiver, or a weapon out of the backfield. Following Arthur Smith from the Atlanta Falcons, there will be some continuity there which will be helpful, regardless of who is at quarterback. That will be a battle between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, with Wilson seemingly having the upper hand heading into training camp.
The Steelers could also use Patterson for returns, which is an intriguing option this season with the new kickoff rules. Patterson is one of the better returners of the last decade or so. It will be interesting to see how the new kickoff rules play out on the field, and if they work as intended, Patterson should have plenty of chances to make big plays.
Why did Cordarrelle Patterson join the Steelers?
When asked why Patterson joined the Steelers for this season, the answer was simple, and it was about the coaches. It was an opportunity to follow Smith and play under head coach Mike Tomlin.
“Honestly, the coaches,” Patterson said, via Borst. “Coach Arthur and Mike [Tomlin]. He came to my Pro-Day when I was coming out of college. We have had a connection for a very long time. This was my first time that I got the opportunity to play for him so it was basically a no-brainer.”
Under a new offense led by Smith, Patterson will play the role of teacher for the players who do not have experience in this system. He is more than willing to do that with the Steelers.
“It's something I know,” Patterson said, via Borst. “I've been in it for three years going on four years now. So, when Arthur talked to me this offseason about joining, it was a no-brainer for me. … A lot of the guys we did sign who have been with Arthur are kind of older so we are just trying to bring those younger guys under out wings. Whatever they need, we are there to help those guys. We not coming in here to replace nobody, take nobody's spot. We all know our roles.”
Patterson should be a valuable resource for the Steelers on offense, even if he does not get on the field much, and he should be able to make an impact on special teams with returns.
