Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson Tabbed As Most Surprising Player For Training Camp: 'Not For Kickoff Returns'

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of new faces on the roster as they prepare for training camp ahead of the 2024 regular season. Some were big splashes like Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, while others were some of Arthur Smith's disciples he brought with him from the Atlanta Falcons. One of those players is Cordarrelle Patterson, who is known for his prowess as a kick returner. While being a huge factor on special teams, Patterson can also add a lot to the offense.

Patterson has put together a borderline Hall of Fame career, as he is a seven-time All-Pro and holds two NFL records. He is entering his 12th season in the NFL, but is expected to still be able to produce. The league instituted new kickoff rules, which will give returners more opportunities to bring the ball out. This was a huge factor in the Steelers signing Patterson. Thursday, insider Mark Kaboly went on 93.7 The Fan and tabbed Patterson as a player to watch during training camp.

"Cordarrelle Patterson. Just not for kickoff returns, for everything else. He didn't show up for OTAs, so we don't have a good view on him. My point is you're not giving him 6 million bucks to be a kick returner when they kick it out of the end zone once a game. He's going to have other roles, and I think he's going to surprise some people with some of his roles."

Patterson has been versatile throughout his entire career. He was selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft as a wide receiver, but has since been known as a kick returner and a running back. Most of his career accolades come from his success on special teams, but he has been extremely productive on the offensive side of the ball as well. 

Patterson became a running back when he joined the Falcons in 2021 along with Smith. In three seasons as a running back in Atlanta, Patterson ran the ball 347 times for 1,494 yards, while averaging over 4 yards per carry. These aren't necessarily the numbers of a starting running back in the NFL, but it shows Patterson has limitless versatility and can be effective in multiple areas of the game. 

The 33-year-old has also tallied over 2,700 yards as a pass catcher, and has scored nearly 50 touchdowns on offense. Pittsburgh's backfield is already made up of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who each had over 1,000 all-purpose yards in 2023. Despite the success from the backs that have already been with Pittsburgh, Patterson provides depth, while also being a high-potential gadget player.

Patterson's $6 million cap hit for the 2024 season is high for a player that would be exclusively relied upon to return kicks. Smith is familiar with Patterson's game, and it should be expected to see some plays drawn up on offense to showcase Patterson's abilities.

Steelers' Patterson Could Also Lineup At Receiver

Patterson has been relied upon as a returner, while also primarily being a receiver. He carried the ball some on offense, but was listed as a receiver. This is Pittsburgh's weakest position group offensively, so it isn't out of the question to see Patterson lineup out wide.

Despite being listed as a running back, Patterson could enter the 2024 season as the Steelers’ most experienced wide receiver. Currently, George Pickens is the only receiving option that should be relied upon to produce in the passing game. Pittsburgh is gambling that one of the receivers beneath him on the depth chart will break out, while also still potentially looking at adding external help. If the receiver group plays as poorly as is expected, Patterson could become a consistent option for Wilson of Fields.

Patterson will likely be used more in the backfield offensively, but his experience and versatility gives the Steelers options on what to do with him.