The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to sign one of the best return players in the league not long after the NFL announced a new kickoff rule.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Cordarrelle Patterson and the AFC franchise reached a two-year agreement on Tuesday. The running back played for the Atlanta Falcons for the previous three seasons.
During his 11-year career, Patterson (who played for the New England Patriots in 2018) led the NFL in overall kick return yardage twice and in kick return touchdowns six times. With nine career kickoff returns for touchdowns, he also owns the record. Patterson returned 35 kicks for the league in 2020. But he only scored 34 in his three seasons in Atlanta
During his 11-year career, Patterson (who played for the New England Patriots in 2018) led the NFL in overall kick return yardage twice and in kick return touchdowns six times. With nine career kickoff returns for touchdowns, he also owns the record. Patterson returned 35 kicks for the league in 2020. But he only scored 34 in his three seasons in Atlanta.
Recently, the league modified the kick return policy, which has limited Patterson’s ability to perform at his peak. The NFL said on Tuesday that it will implement a one-year trial of an XFL-style kickoff return in 2024. This is the most recent alteration.
Both teams will be positioned farther down the field and won’t be allowed to move until the ball lands, but the kicker will stay in the same location as before. It is hoped that collisions would be less severe than they have been in previous years, leading to a decrease in injuries.
Patterson will undoubtedly still be able to contribute for the Steelers even with the regulation adjustment. Additionally, Patterson might exploit the regulation.
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