Despite being one of the best returners of his generation, Pittsburgh Steelers do-everything option Cordarrelle Patterson could be one-and-done with the black and gold. A first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, the Tennessee product quickly became one of the league’s most lethal threats on special teams while offering a unique skillset on offense. Carving out a role as a hybrid receiver and running back, Patterson has accumulated over 5,521 yards from scrimmage on offense and holds an NFL record with nine kick return touchdowns.
However, even though his best years came under Arthur Smith’s Atlanta Falcons, he struggled to recapture his form during the 2024 season. Appearing in 13 games, he didn’t look all that special as a kick returner and recorded just 215 yards from scrimmage on offense. Now entering his age-34 season, Steelers beat reporter Mark Kaboly writes that there’s “no place where [Patterson] can slot in” and that his time with the team may be coming to an end.
Perhaps this is the end of the road for Cordarrelle Patterson with the Steelers, but big-play threats are hard to find in today’s NFL. Seeing as he likely wouldn’t cost more than a conditional late-round pick swap, the following five teams could try to trade for the four-time Pro Bowler and see if there’s any gas left in his tank.
Cordarrelle Patterson, Steelers Could Part Ways – Trade Possible
Top Team Fits
Los Angeles Chargers
While he may not have done much with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cordarelle Patterson could be a perfect match for the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the team is set at running back with veteran Najee Harris and first-round rookie Omarion Hampton, they could use more unique playmakers. Ladd McConkey is great, run-oriented offensive coordinator Greg Roman should be able to scheme unique plays that make the most of Patterson’s ability to move around the formation and make plays out of the backfield.
Buffalo Bills
James Cook wants a new contract, and the Buffalo Bills should have a Plan B in their backfield in case this holdout lasts a while. While former Day 3 pick Ray Davis is in line to start, a team with Super Bowl aspirations like the Buffalo Bills should call up the Steelers and inquire about Cordarrelle Patterson. While he’s not a 200-carry type of player, Patterson could ease the workload on Davis and help him handle a larger share of the pie in Cook’s absence.
New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is still an above-average starting running back, but the former third-round pick can’t keep this up indefinitely. With second-round pick Tyler Shough likely to start, the team must find as many reliable weapons as possible to increase his odds of becoming a franchise quarterback. The Cam Akers signing suggests the team does not believe in former third-round pick Kendre Miller, and Patterson offers more upside and versatility than Akers.
Kansas City Chiefs
Seeing as he’s played on six separate teams, it’s a little surprising that Andy Reid never got his hands on Cordarrelle Patterson. Reid is perhaps the best coach in the league when it comes to scheming targets to the running back, but he hasn’t had a player capable of making the most of those opportunities in quite some time. Isiah Pacheco is an adequate downhill runner, but he lacks Patterson’s soft hands and ability after the catch.
Main Photo: Mitch Stringer – Imagn Images
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