Steelers release veteran RB, kick returner Patterson
Associated Press
LATROBE – Cordarrelle Patterson announced he was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday via social media and a day later the team made it official.
Patterson had his contract terminated by the Steelers Tuesday afternoon.
He signed a two-year, six-million dollar contract prior to the 2024 season with 1.9 million guaranteed.
Patterson was reunited with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who was his former head coach in Atlanta, but he failed to make an impact last season.
He had a career low 21.8 yards per kick return and saw limited action as a running back, finished with only 135 yards and scored one total touchdown.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin did not go into detail on why Patterson was released, but did discuss several in-house options that could handle kick return duties this season.
“We’re not devoid of candidates,” Tomlin said. “I’m really excited about Kenny Gainwell in that area. Certainly Jaylen Warren has some experience in that area. We’re looking at (rookie running back) Kaleb Johnson. We’re looking at Roman Wilson. I’m pretty comfortable with the pool of candidates, but it’s still some work to sort out.”
Patterson, 34, was originally a wide receiver in the NFL, but made the transition to running back and flourished as a kick returner.
He scored nine touchdowns on kick returns in his career with the Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons.
In other moves, defensive tackle Domenique Davis, tight end Kevin Foelsch and running back Lew Nichols were signed to contracts.
The Steelers waived/injured wide receiver Montana Lemonius-Craig and linebacker Jeremiah Moon.
Tuesday was supposed to be the first padded practice of training camp, but it was canceled due to thunderstorms.
The team will be back on the field Wednesday for what will now be the first padded practice.