When Cordarrelle Patterson received multiple calls after the new kickoff rules were passed at the NFL Owner’s Meetings this Spring, he knew he would sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not only did the Steelers offer an attractive multi-year contract, but Patterson also played with the new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, during his entire tenure in Atlanta.
Over the offseason, Smith called Patterson about joining Pittsburgh, and once the new kickoff rules passed, it seemed destined from there. Now, Patterson is set to join the Steelers running back room of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and pitch in with some wide receiver work when split out. It is one way that Smith plans to exhaust all options as he looks to incorporate multiple different personnel packages into his offense.
“It’s something I know,” Patterson said. “I’ve been in it for three years, going on four years now, so of course, when Arthur talked to me this offseason about joining, it was a no-brainer for me, man. I’m glad to be here, I’m excited, and whatever I need to do to help this team win games, I’m coming to help however I can. Whatever he needs. Running back, kick return, tight end, right tackle, I can play it all. Whatever he needs me to do.”
Cordarrelle Patterson knows Smith inside and out. He is one of a few players from Smith’s tenure in Atlanta, along with Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and MyCole Pruitt, to come to Pittsburgh. Part of it is that it will help Smith install the offense quicker with guys around who are familiar with it and how it works.
“I’ve been in this offense on three years going on four years now,” Patterson said. “Arthur knows me. He knows me up and down; he knows what I can and can’t do. I’m not coming here to step on anyone’s toes. I know what I can bring to this team and I know my role. Whatever they need me to do, I’m that guy. I’m here to help these guys, I’m an older guy to help get these guys going.”
Patterson projects as a Swiss Army Knife who can create fireworks on special teams for the Steelers. Having that type of player in Smith’s offense should help expand what they can do to stretch defenses and put playmakers on offense into advantageous situations.
