For years, kick returners were afterthoughts—like an empty water bottle in a college dorm—just existing, not doing anything. That changed in 2024. For the first time in a while, kick returns could become valuable pieces capable of changing an NFL game. And it’s why the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Cordarrelle Patterson.
I had initially written this article early Tuesday afternoon, wondering who the team would turn to. Before Patterson, there weren’t many obvious or strong options: WRs Quez Watkins and Calvin Austin III topped the list, but neither had much of a resume. But Patterson should top the team’s depth chart, a swift and decisive move by the Steelers.