Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has Truthful Response After Danny Smith Refuses To Name Kick Returner

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a plethora of moves throughout the 2024 offseason. A lot of the headlines surrounded the quarterback position and the hiring of new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, but there were also several under-the-radar moves that deserve some attention. One of the biggest was the addition of agile return man, Cordarrelle Patterson. The new kickoff rules will present an opportunity for special teams coordinators like Danny Smith to be extremely creative. While nothing is set in stone, it seems like a foregone conclusion that Patterson will be returning kicks for Pittsburgh, but Smith refused to confirm that during minicamp.

When speaking to the media on Tuesday, Smith didn't confirm who the kick returner would be, despite the obvious answer in Patterson. He remarked that he isn't sure who will handle the duties.

"You asked me who the returner is today. I have no clue. We work a lot of guys. It's a whole different process," Smith said to reporters.

It's only June, so Smith not confirming that Patterson will be the top return man shouldn't be looked at as surprising. What did come unexpectedly, however, was on Wednesday when Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media and gave the team's plans up. He was asked about getting used to the new rules and blatantly gave away who the kick returner is. It's clear he isn't afraid to hide that strategy, while Smith was.

"I know I'm glad Patterson's here," Tomlin stated with a smirk.

The logical answer with how the roster sets up is Patterson and Tomlin aren't trying to hide what is in store come the regular season. Patterson is entering his 12th NFL season and has plenty of experience returning kicks in the old format, which was much more difficult to break free in. Patterson is first in league history with nine returns for touchdowns on kickoffs.

It will be interesting to see how creative Smith can get with Patterson. Headlines were made when running back Jaylen Warren mentioned that the special teams coordinator wanted to potentially use new quarterback Justin Fields as a gadget on kickoff returns. While it's unlikely, especially because Fields is the backup quarterback and Russell Wilson could be on a tight leash, it surely would be fascinating.

The Steelers haven't been known for having a dynamic kick return game over the course of Smith's tenure, but that could certainly change with the new rules and Patterson's presence. Special teams can be used as a secret weapon if properly organized and that's what Pittsburgh has a chance to do. It shouldn't come as a surprise if the unit is able to produce a touchdown or two on returns in 2024.

Despite Smith's unwillingness to announce the go-to-guy, it will be equally as crucial to have a second option. Teams are likely to do what they can to kick away from Patterson due to his incredible success in the past. That will make it attractive to have a second player deep that can also get up the field quickly in order to help the offense with field position. Smith and his group have a lot of work to do leading into September.

Steelers Must Take Advantage Of Patterson's Abilities

Pittsburgh signing Patterson was no accident. The front office knew of the incoming kickoff changes and was extremely proactive in providing a solution. Despite recently turning 33, the best kick returner of all-time has proven in recent years that he can still be dynamic in the return game. There's no doubt that he will be leaned on and could be a game-changer for the Steelers.

Do you like the addition of Patterson? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation