Why did the Steelers wait so lengthy to launch Cordarrelle Patterson?
Apparently even Cordarrelle Patterson was questioning why he was nonetheless on the Steelers’ roster, reporting his launch himself, with humor. For months, reporters requested that very query: why is he nonetheless right here? It appeared virtually everyone concluded prematurely the group had no plans for him, but there he was—in concept.
In follow—actually—he wasn’t there. In response to reporters, Patterson didn’t take part in OTAs and minicamp. He didn’t follow throughout coaching camp, both, the Steelers describing him as each day. He did pop up a minimum of briefly in avenue garments on the sideline the day earlier than the group launched him.
Most of the time, when the Steelers have a veteran on the roster they know they gained’t have a spot for, they do him a favor and launch him early, rising his odds of latching on with one other group. Within the case of Cordarrelle Patterson, the Steelers introduced him into coaching camp. It’s not clear why, until they did preliminary intend for him to compete for a roster spot.
Is that what they thought, or did they simply wish to grasp on to him till they obtained a have a look at different gamers? Did Cordarrelle Patterson not wish to be with the Steelers anymore? He didn’t appear too blissful when he didn’t get a birthday Tweet from the group’s official account.
The Steelers hardly acknowledged releasing Cordarrelle Patterson, which is curious. When requested concerning the timing of the discharge, Mike Tomlin merely deferred to Omar Khan. Is there an implication in there that his launch was solely a matter of time, or is that studying an excessive amount of into it?
Maybe they simply forgot he was there…or a minimum of that’s the way it feels. Both approach Cordarrelle Patterson is now not with the Steelers, and they’re taking a look at different kick return choices. They changed him within the backfield with Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell. Gainwell could exchange him on kick returns, too, although they’re exploring others, as properly.
The Steelers are rebuilding, or reloading, no matter they really feel the necessity to name it, after one other disappointment final season. Although they limped into the playoffs, they as soon as once more embarrassed themselves therein.
Similar to final 12 months, the most important query hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback query. Whereas they made a whole lot of strikes, they need to put the items collectively. The 2025 NFL Draft class may play a giant position, however veteran additions will probably be paramount.
However we nonetheless have an extended coaching camp forward for Steelers soccer. We survived the Aaron Rodgers scenario and moved on to different issues–different dramas generally. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and filling holes as we go.