Atlanta Falcons free agent Cordarrelle Patterson can provide a different element to teams in need of offensive assistance this offseason. Patterson offers a unique threat as both a running back and wide receiver, attracting interest from a wide range of teams. Although it seems his time with the Falcons is ending, Lorenzo Reyna of Pro Football Network views the Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears are seen as potential options.
The Chiefs and 49ers clearly desire Patterson. Adding another offensive weapon who can make plays on an affordable contract for a Super Bowl contending team makes sense in this scenario.
Reyna saw the Chiefs as a potential destination due to Clyde Edwards-Helaire being a free agent.
“Why? Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a free agent. While Patterson may not be as young as Edwards-Helaire, he would be a great experienced addition to complement Isiah Pacheco and provide the Chiefs with a necessary size advantage in the backfield, especially when a pass play is needed. Additionally, this opportunity gives Patterson one of his best chances to finally win a Super Bowl ring.”
Although the Falcons are expected to improve next season, the Chiefs offer a better chance of winning the Super Bowl. This could and should be appealing to Patterson, despite being 33 years old.
Super Bowl Contenders Could Benefit from Patterson
Patterson spent three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, achieving two seasons with at least 600 rushing yards and a 548-yard receiving season in 2021.
Similar to Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson not meeting expectations, Patterson may have also struggled due to the quarterback situation. Much of his value was as a kick returner, even in his first year with the Falcons.
He would be an interesting choice for Super Bowl contending teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, who also have quarterbacks who can pass to him.
Reyna also considered the 49ers as a potential destination for him to pursue a title.
“I wouldn’t discount the 49ers as a potential destination for Patterson to pursue a title. There should be plenty of interest from both Patterson and the 49ers to form a partnership.
“Firstly, Patterson can fit into Kyle Shanahan’s zone attack, which has highlighted Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel as a dynamic running and receiving threat. Additionally, Patterson can provide relief for the duo and serve as the third option as a running back and wide receiver.”
Why Patterson is a Good Fit for the Bears
Patterson, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro, spent two seasons with the Chicago Bears before joining the Atlanta Falcons. He had fewer than 250 rushing yards and 135 receiving yards in both seasons with the Bears.
However, he amassed 1,017 kick return yards in 2020 and 825 in 2019 for the Bears. Patterson only returned seven kicks in 2023 and nine in 2022, so those days could be behind him.
While his production may be similar to his time with the Falcons and the Bears, he would provide another weapon for their anticipated rookie quarterback. Patterson could also be interested in reuniting with the Bears since they are poised to be a stronger team and he has prior experience with the organization.
Patterson being on the Bears would be like him being on the Falcons. They probably won't be able to win a Super Bowl, but he can be a relied upon experienced player and someone who enhances the offense if utilized properly.
