Participant: RB Cordarrelle Patterson
Inventory Worth: Down
Reasoning: Do the Steelers have a spot for Cordarrelle Patterson of their new-look backfield or their kick return line? They signed him hoping he would offer a spark within the return sport, however he delivered the alternative. Due to him, that they had the worst kick return common within the NFL. Certainly, reporters are doubting we are going to see him for much longer, or no less than within the common season.
All of us swing and miss generally, and it appears the Steelers swung and missed on Cordarrelle Patterson. On the very least, they’re on strike one. By their very own admission, they signed Patterson in response to the brand new kick return rule. By way of his efforts, that they had the NFL’s worst kick return sport.
Whereas he had about three performs on offense on which he appeared like he nonetheless had some juice, Patterson appeared like he was working in molasses on particular groups. His lackadaisical perspective to conditioning additionally rings in my ears when enthusiastic about his damage points.
Lately, reporters have expressed doubt that the Steelers would put Cordarrelle Patterson on kick returns. Whether or not they use Kenneth Gainwell or Donte Kent, they may go one other method, the declare goes.
But when Patterson isn’t returning kicks, what’s he doing on the Steelers’ roster? Extra importantly, what’s he doing accumulating $2,800,000? I’m not one to depend one other man’s paycheck, however I wrestle to check a sensible state of affairs during which the Steelers extract $2,800,000 in worth out of him this 12 months.
Another excuse the Steelers signed Cordarrell Patterson final 12 months was to assist within the transition to Arthur Smith’s offense. Effectively, they’ve transitioned now, so do they nonetheless want him? They will use him if he can play successfully. However they’ve Jaylen Warren, Kaleb Johnson and Gainwell at working again already. If Patterson isn’t returning kicks, it’s arduous to see him on this crew. So, he wants to indicate exceptional enchancment below the brand new guidelines if he needs to maintain his job, I’d estimate.
With the brand new league 12 months underway and the Steelers turning their roster over, it’s as soon as once more time to “take inventory.” It took some time, however we lastly noticed a few of that change the crew talked about after the season ended. Actually, the transfer to commerce for WR DK Metcalf qualifies as a change, to not point out the accompanying contract. Oh, and so they additionally traded some man named George Pickens, which individuals discovered vital.
There’s nonetheless an extended approach to go earlier than we all know what this Steelers crew goes to seem like. The mud is settled on each free company and the 2025 NFL Draft. What different strikes would possibly the crew make, maybe sudden acquisitions or departures? In the event that they traded for one participant, they may definitely commerce for an additional, or commerce one away. This can be a Steelers crew ravenous for postseason success, however how determined are they for a playoff win in 2025?
