Steelers Negotiated With New Returner Cordarrelle Patterson For Over A Week Preparing For New Kickoff Rule

The Pittsburgh Steelers reunited running back and special teams star Cordarrelle Patterson with former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith when they signed Patterson to a two-year deal. The move swiftly followed the newly adopted rules for NFL kickoffs, showing the Steelers are taking the changes seriously. While the signing itself may have happened quickly, there was much more planning that went on in the background leading up to that moment.

After a 2023 season that ended on an unexpectedly high note, but still didn't meet expectations, Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan are out to ensure the 2024 roster is built to contend with other elite NFL teams. The additions of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields would have been wildly out of character for the franchise a few years ago, but are now signs of a shifting, forward-thinking culture. Bringing in Patterson was another important piece that displayed their commitment to all three phases of the game. According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Patterson move was something Pittsburgh had their eye on for a bit.

"The latest roster move involves four-time All-Pro return specialist Cordarrelle Patterson, who was signed to a two-year, $6 million deal because of the radical new kickoff rule that was adopted by the league owners. The Steelers began talking with Patterson, 33, last week when it became apparent to them the kickoff rule proposal was gaining steam among the owners. So when the rule was officially adopted on a one-year trial basis by a 29-3 vote, they moved quickly to seal the deal."

The new kickoff rules encourage two returners, which means that the addition of Patterson doesn't cancel out the speedy Calvin Austin III. Tomlin had to navigate a 2023 season in which the offense rarely contributed as they were expected to, which put the burden of responsibility on the defense and special teams. While Pittsburgh's highly-paid defense will be needed to find success, being able to rely on special teams to produce will bring some peace of mind.

Patterson isn't just a player to reunite with Smith, Pittsburgh's new offensive coordinator. With nine career kickoff return touchdowns, Patterson is the NFL record-holder in that category. He set the record in 2022 and will try to add to his historical numbers on his sixth NFL team in Pittsburgh. With fond memories of past Steelers' receivers making big return plays, such as Santonio Holmes and Antonio Brown, the prospect of seeing more electric plays is something Steelers fans will certainly enjoy.

Steelers Not Done Adding Yet

Considering that the 2023 Steelers had the trio of Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph at quarterback, and Matt Canada as offensive coordinator for most of the season, they still earned a Wild Card berth. Granted, it ended up being a loss to the Buffalo Bills, but Tomlin proved yet again what he can do with less. Looking ahead to 2024, the Steelers are making moves to ensure they are prepared to continue taking steps forward.

Wilson and Fields are immediate upgrades in the quarterback room and, at the very least, should bring some stability, if not offensive fireworks. With a defense like they have in Pittsburgh, the offense just needs to avoid losing the game. In 2023, that was easier said than done, as the offense was a constant struggle and embarrassment for a proud franchise. With moves like trading Pickett and Diontae Johnson, releasing Pressley Harvin III, and bringing in Smith as their offensive coordinator, the Steelers are serious about contending.

With the 2024 NFL Draft approaching, the Steelers will have even more chances to add both starting talent and depth to a hungry roster. TJ Watt has never won a playoff game in his career, despite dominating defensively, and Cameron Heyward simply deserves to be a Super Bowl champion. Tomlin understands the franchise's responsibility to their foundational pieces, and that means building up the roster to give them the best possible chance to win every single game.

Whether the Steelers decide to invest in a center like Jackson Powers-Johnson, or a top-tier receiver like Brian Thomas Jr. or Adonai Mitchell, the bottom line is that they will get better. The only question is where they determine the improvements should be made.