The NFL world has changed a lot in just one day, but there’s good reason for that. The biggest change, though, is the new kickoff rule. With a new importance on returning, legendary kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. What’s happening?
Why Did the Steelers Sign Cordarrelle Patterson?
Patterson is going into the 12th year of his career after being taken in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Since then, he’s gone on to become a legendary return man for the Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, and Atlanta Falcons.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, he’s now reuniting with former head coach Arthur Smith in Pittsburgh. Smith is the offensive coordinator of the Steelers and was the head coach of the Falcons, where Patterson was from 2021-2023.
In his career, Patterson is a four-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro, four-time Pro Bowler, two-time NFL kickoff return yards leader, and one-time Super Bowl champion. He was also a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.
He has set two NFL records, the longest kick return in NFL history (109 yards) and the most career kickoff return touchdowns (nine). In his career, he has 2,795 receiving yards, 2,511 rushing yards, and 7,998 return yards on top of 47 touchdowns.
Why is this signing so important? The NFL’s new kickoff rules. The new rules will move where the members of the kickoff team line up and will create a “landing zone” for two returners. The main point? No fair catches are allowed. This means there will be significantly more kickoff returns.
Here’s what the new NFL kickoff will look like this season: pic.twitter.com/vtR5bqGZLK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 26, 2024
With the Steelers now having one of the best kick returners in NFL history, they inherently have an advantage with the new rule. The new rule is currently a one-year trial but has the option to be kept long-term if things go well.
“On the day the NFL officially changes the kickoff format, the Steelers go out and sign one of the most dangerous return men in the NFL in Cordarrelle Patterson,” Daniel Valente, a football editor at The Score, said on X (formerly Twitter). “Love it.”
Patterson’s Contract Details
The signing was first reported by Schefter, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network had the contract details. He will be joining Pittsburgh on a two-year, $6 million deal. At 33 years old, Patterson will be an unrestricted free agent in 2026 when he is 35. The guarantees of the deal are unknown.
Patterson’s deal is the second smallest deal in his career. When he joined the Falcons in 2021, he signed a one-year, $3 million deal. However, in his career, he’s earned over $39.6 million in 11 seasons.
KEEP READING: ‘This Is Gonna Be Must-See TV’ — Authors of NFL’s New Kickoff Rule Celebrate Its Passage
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