Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson could be on the move as the NFL approaches its annual trade deadline. Patterson, a versatile offensive weapon that can play in the backfield and line up at receiver, has been sparingly used by the Falcons this season.
#Falcons RB/WR Cordarrelle Patterson is a name to keep in mind as we're getting closer to the trade deadline.
Patterson only played *6* total snaps of offense this season with the emergence of Bijan Robinson. Tyler Allgeier has been a solid backup as well.
Patterson is a… pic.twitter.com/jelaT3jmTN
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 13, 2023
The All-Pro kick returner has been fazed out of the offensive gameplan in Atlanta, playing just six total snaps of offense this season. The Falcons used their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft to select star running back Bijan Robinson from the Texas Longhorns. This move surprised some, with Atlanta already rostering a 1,000-yard running back from the previous year. During his inaugural NFL campaign, Tyler Allgeier, an undrafted rookie in 2022, ran for 1,035 yards on 4.9 yards per attempt.
Cordarrelle Patterson: NFL Career
Mainly a wide receiver and a kick returner in his early years, Patterson transformed his offensive game during his first year with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. The then-30-year-old posted career highs in rushing attempts (153), rushing yards (618), rushing touchdowns (six), receptions (52), receiving yards (548), and receiving touchdowns (five). The former Tennessee Volunteer remained a focal point of the Atlanta offense in 2022, rushing for 695 yards and eight touchdowns on 144 attempts. He also caught 21 passes.
However, after playing 47% of the offensive snaps from 2021-2022, Patterson has played just 4% this season. The presence of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier has virtually made Patterson’s role nonexistent. Notably, Patterson has played in just two games this season after missing time with a thigh injury. The South Carolina native has just one reception for seven yards this season. He has not earned a rush attempt.
Cordarrelle Patterson’s Skillset: Welcome Sight for NFL Suitors
Cordarrelle Patterson would provide any NFL team with a versatile playmaker on offense. Additionally, he has led the league in kick return touchdowns six times in his 11-year NFL career.
Patterson needs just a manageable workload to contribute, playing over 50% of the offensive snaps just once during his NFL tenure. Injuries or the need for additional offensive weapons could open the door for Patterson to be on the move sooner rather than later.