After a successful career year, he made his case publicly for his return to the Atlanta Falcons, Cordarrelle PattersonHe is achieving his goal. He’s staying in Atlanta.
According to ESPN sources, Patterson reached an agreement with the Falcons on Saturday. This will keep Patterson’s multi-faceted offensive option with the Falcons, where he has had the greatest offensive success of his career.
He stated to ESPN and From The Perch podcast that he wants to return to Atlanta Falcons so long as it makes sense for him and his family. In 2021, he said “Atlanta spoils me” with the way he was used. He also stated that he would love to break the NFL’s alltime kick return touchdown record. He currently shares the record with eight touchdowns.
Patterson ran for 618 yards, six touchdowns and 153 carries with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. He also caught 52 passes for 548 yards and five touchdowns.
Patterson’s remarkable career turnaround was partly due to his switching in positions. Patterson was originally drafted by the Packers as a wide receiver. Minnesota VikingsArthur Smith, the Falcons’ first-year head coach, made him a full-time running back in the first round.
Patterson, 31 years old on March 17, had more than doubled his previous season’s high in carries (64 for 2020) and received his most targets since 2016 with the Vikings. Patterson often spoke out about his desire to return home to Atlanta at the end of the season, and early in the offseason. He used social media and his cleats to convince Atlanta to keep him after his best offensive season.
Patterson, who had left Minnesota at the end of 2016, bounced back and forth between the Oakland Raiders. New England Patriots Chicago Bears before landing in Atlanta. Patterson was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and four-time All Pro. He is best known as one of the greatest kick returners ever with 257 career returns, 7,552 yards, and eight touchdowns. His eight kick returns touchdowns tied him for the top spot in NFL History, while his kick return average is 29.4 yards which is third-best NFL history.
NFL Network first reported Patterson’s agreement to the Falcons.