With the NFL's new hybrid kickoff rule in place, the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly have their next returner.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Pittsburgh and Cordarrelle Patterson agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo noted Patterson's agent was in Orlando, Florida, during the league meetings and "virtually waiting for the signal from the room the new kickoff rule had been approved" before negotiating a deal.
Patterson joining the Steelers means he will reunite with Arthur Smith, who became the AFC North team's offensive coordinator this offseason.
Smith was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons the last three years when Patterson played for the NFC South team and will be familiar with how to work the speedster into various roles in the offense even if his true value may come from kick returns with the new rules.
CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported Tuesday the league owners voted to approve the new kickoff hybrid rule by a 29-3 count with only the Green Bay Packers, Las Vegas Raiders and San Francisco 49ers dissenting.
The rule was put in place to increase the number of kick returns while theoretically decreasing injury chances by reducing the long-distance running starts before players collide with each other.
Ian Rapoport @RapSheetHere is what it will look like. And will be a lot more fun. <a href=""> <a href="">
- Kickoffs are still from the 35-yard line
- Kicking team places 10 players at the opponent's 40-yard line
- Returning team places at least nine players in the "setup zone" between its own 35- and 30-yard lines
- One or two returners line up in the "landing zone" between the 20-yard line and the goal line
- Only the kicker and returners can move before the ball hits the ground or a player in the landing zone
- There are no fair catches
- Touchbacks go to the 30-yard line
- Teams must inform officials they want to onside kick, meaning there are no longer surprise onside attempts
Creating more opportunities for kick returns instead of touchbacks means players such as Patterson, who have been electric returners during their careers, now have more value for teams.
NFL @NFLCordarrelle Patterson over the years ⚡️ <a href="">@ceeflashpee84</a> (via @nflthrowback)<a href="">
While the 33-year-old ran for a career-best 695 yards as recently as 2022 and has worked as a receiver at times, he is best known for being an excellent returner. The four-time Pro Bowler has led the league in kick return yardage two times, longest kick return three times and kick return touchdowns six times.
In all, Patterson has nine kickoff return touchdowns and will give the Steelers another threat on special teams as they attempt to reach the playoffs for the fourth time in five seasons.
