The Atlanta Falcons entered the 2021 offseason with a pretty big financial hole to climb out of. First-year general manager Terry Fontenot had no choice but to let a number of key players walk, including center Alex Mack, linebacker Keanu Neal and safety Damontae Kazee.
That wasn’t all, though, as the Falcons sent wide receiver Julio Jones to Tennessee just to be able to sign their 2021 draft class. Atlanta didn’t have enough space to sign any major free agents, but the team did potentially land a few gems out of the bargain bin.
Free agent Cordarrelle Patterson signed a one-year, $3 million contract and should be able to help in a multitude of areas. The former first-round pick and four-time All-Pro is a dangerous return man, decent depth receiver and capable running back.
NFL.com’s Gil Brandt praised Patterson in a recent feature highlighting the league’s 11 most versatile players, ranking him at No. 11.
“Patterson might never have hit the heights expected of him when he was selected 29th overall by Minnesota in 2013, but he still deserves credit for being a significant contributor at receiver, running back and kick returner wherever he’s played. (Patterson has spent time with the Vikings, Raiders, Patriots and Bears, and he signed with the Falcons this offseason.) He earned All-Pro honors in 2020 as a returner for the third time in the last five seasons and the fourth time in his career; he’s also tied for the longest touchdown return in NFL history (109 yards) and the most scores on kickoff returns (eight, matching Josh Cribbs). And he still has the ability to chip in to the game plan as a receiver (21 catches in 2020) and runner (a career-high 64 carries for 232 yards last season).”
Considering the Falcons are still in a brutal salary cap situation, it was a wise move by Fontenot to get the most bang for his buck. Patterson is expected to play a good amount of his reps at running back in relief of Mike Davis. Atlanta’s new toy is obviously a formidable kick returner, but the team also drafted Avery Williams out of Boise State and don’t need to restrict Patterson to any one role.
The Falcons announced their training camp schedule on Friday morning and will kick things off on July 29. The team will be holding five open practices, the first coming on July 31.
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