The Pittsburgh Steelers had a lot of issues that became visible during the 2024 season. At the end of the campaign, things collapsed for Pittsburgh, but the Steelers were especially bad throughout the season when it came to returning kickoffs. The team was dead last in the league, which isn't great when it comes to setting up an inconsistent offense. The organization signed Cordarrelle Patterson prior to the 2024 season to fill the role of kick returner, but it backfired as he was ineffective throughout the year. He made some decent plays on offense, but he was a non-factor as a returner.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson stiff arms a Cleveland Browns defender during a home game in Pittsburgh.
Patterson was the primary kick returner for Pittsburgh when he was healthy, and he also was the third running back on the depth chart. He had a small role on offense, and he had some decent production considering his low amount of snaps throughout the regular season. Team insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked about the kickoff return team during an appearance on the North Shore Drive Podcast, and he speculated that fans won't be watching Patterson return kicks anymore for the Steel City.
"No doubt they've got to do a better job with their kick returns," Fittipaldo said. "We've probably seen the last of Cordarrelle Patterson back there. I can't imagine after last season the Steelers would want to have him back there again. But they do have some options. They've got a lot of different guys who can return those kicks. If I'm playing against the Steelers this year, there is no way l'm kicking that ball into the end zone. I'm kicking it in the kicking zone and I'm making the Steelers prove to me that they can actually do a better job this year."
If Patterson does not have a role on special teams, it is hard to carve out a role for him anywhere else. Pittsburgh has other players that could be returning kicks, with Calvin Austin III standing out as he returned a punt for a touchdown during the 2024 season. Patterson would at best be the fourth running back on the roster this time around, which is typically a role that is filled by a guy on the practice squad.
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Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson during mandatory minicamp in 2024.
At running back, the Steelers should have a pretty fun room. Jaylen Warren will likely be the lead back to start the season, while rookie Kaleb Johnson will be right behind him. Johnson is an exciting rookie that fell to Pittsburgh in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and the young player is already turning heads during the 2025 offseason. Behind those two is Kenneth Gainwell, who is coming off of a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles.
It is hard to figure out how Patterson might be able to see the field on offense with all of the names and players that might be in front of him. It is a bit strange that he is still on the roster after having such a rough season in 2024, but he is a favorite of Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith, who coached him while the two were with the Atlanta Falcons.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Cordarrelle Patterson returns a kick in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 season.
Steelers Could Release Cordarrelle Patterson Fairly Easily
Pittsburgh is not stuck in a bad spot with the contract that was given to Patterson. It is not like the organization would be hit with a large dead cap charge if he is released. Releasing or trading Patterson would actually save the Steelers roughly $2.8 million against the cap in 2025. This is something to keep in mind as the Steelers might look to add another receiver to the offense, and fill another hole somewhere else on the roster. If Patterson is released, there could be a corresponding move coming quickly after.
What do you think about the Steelers making changes on special teams? Do you think Patterson should be on the roster in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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