The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the NFL will be adjusting to one of the biggest rule changes in the league's history in 2024. For those who aren't already aware, the format of the official kickoff is being changed. This is in an attempt for more splash plays and touchdown returns, which has been rare as of late. In 2023, only four kickoffs were returned for a score. Shortly after the new rule change this offseason, the Steelers scooped up one of the greatest returners in NFL history, Cordarrelle Patterson.
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Steelers' new returner Cordarrelle Patterson at his first OTAs session with the Steelers.
While he's only had one in the past three seasons, Patterson currently holds the record for the most kick return touchdowns in NFL history with nine. The Steelers have been a team that stresses the importance of performing on special teams, and they've had one of the best units with Special Teams Coach Danny Smith. Unfortunately, finding returners that are able to put points on the board has been a place where Pittsburgh has struggled.
With the new kickoff formation, the acquiring of Patterson could be the Steelers' biggest offseason steal. Analysts are expecting touchdown rates to skyrocket this season, and with Patterson's speed and play-making ability, the Steelers could be putting up a lot of points on special teams. Pittsburgh signed the speedster to a two-year deal worth $6 million. As the Black and Gold wrapped up mandatory minicamp, Patterson was asked about his confidence with the new ground-breaking rule.
"Once you get past the first wave, it's over with me and the kicker. And I like my chances with me 100 times out of 100. They better do a good job of fielding that ball and not getting it right to us because we've got a great plan."
As the Steelers have struggled offensively over the past few years (and they will have their moments when they struggle this season), having Patterson return kicks will be a massive boost when it comes to field position and putting up extra points. The new formation will impact everyone in the NFL, but it might not help anyone more than the Steelers.
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Steelers' special teams returner Cordarrelle Patterson during a workout at minicamp.
It won't be surprising if Patterson surpasses his career high of two touchdown returns in a single season. The all-timer revealed he contains mixed feelings about the new changes, but still has a lot of confidence in himself. When he was asked if he sees any new opportunities to test his explosion, his response was, "h**l yeah." Patterson's performance on special teams will have a huge impact on how many games Pittsburgh can pull away with this season.
Will Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson's Role Be More Than Just Returning Kicks?
When the Steelers were able to snag Patterson as a free agent, many fans questioned if he would be used in Arthur Smith's new offense. It was originally not expected to see him get too many snaps, considering the backfield already consists of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Patterson has spent 11 years in the league, and the first eight as a wide receiver. When he arrived at the Atlanta Falcons in 2021, he switched to running back with Smith as the head coach.
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Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson was a threat on special teams, as well as a gadget option for the Falcons.
A Steelers insider revealed a new report that Patterson laughed at the idea of just returning kicks for the Steelers, which could indicate some role on the offense. It wouldn't be far-fetched to think that Smith has some plays drawn up for Patterson in his new offense, considering they have spent the last three seasons together. During that time with Atlanta, Patterson scored 20 touchdowns on the ground and through the air.
What do you think of Patterson and his confidence in the new kickoff rule? How many touchdown returns will Patterson give the Steel City in 2024? Let us know in the comments!
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