Which team will acquire Patterson in 2022?

By: Jake Rajala

The Atlanta Falcons brought in Cordarralle Patterson in the 2021 offseason. Patterson has was an electric special team player for the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears notably. He made the All-Pro team twice with the Bears and once with the Vikings. The comparisons between Devin Hester and Patterson were often made.

The Falcons knew he had special team talent, but they didn’t expect him to be a complete force as an all-purpose weapon on offense. He recorded 618 rushing yards (career-high), six rushing touchdowns (career-high), 548 yards (career-high), and hauled in five touchdowns (career-high).

Matt Ryan was clearly pleased to have Patterson transcend into a RB/WR threat in his offense, especially with Julio Jones in Tennesee. Calvin Ridley also retired in the middle of the season for mental health reasons, so it was really a pleasant surprise that Ridley elevated to become a quality pass catcher for Arthur Smith’s offense.

Patterson evolved into being a gifted, unique player in the NFL in 2021. He will be a free agent in 2022, so many teams will have dreams of obtaining the versatile profile. The question is: which team will ink the talented RB/WR/KR? Well, here are the potential suitors for the former Vikings first-round pick.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons really helped Patterson turn around his career at 30 years old (31 in March). He has to be very comfortable with the scheme fit in Atlanta. He may not win a Super Bowl in ATL, but he will be a focal point of their offense for many years ahead.

The Falcons really need Patterson as a RB and WR. The Falcons backup RB Mike Davis is under contract in 2021, but the Falcons could save $2.5 million by cutting him. In theory, the Falcons could use resources aimed at Davis to kelp keep the starter, Patterson, in town. They will likely lose Calvin Ridley this offseason and the WR position is a serious need. Russell Gage is a modest slot weapon, but they need more guns on the outside. They can’t afford to bring in a WR like Michael Gallup or OBJ, too. It would make sense if they hone in on bringing back Patterson to play next to 2021 rookie sensation Kyle Pitts (1,026 yards).

The secret is out: Matt Ryan is the highest paid player in the NFL this offseason. Still, the owner Arthur Blank has made it clear they want him back. They will likely restructure his deal and save a boatload of money. He could also retool his contract beyond what it is expected, so they can keep Patterson onboard, as well.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders really need some speed demon wideouts for Derek Carr. Desean Jackson is infamous for torching defenses, but he is past his prime at 35 years of age (221 yards, 1 touchdown in 2021). Hunter Renfrow was a pleasant surprise in 2021 with 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns last season, but Renfrow and Darren Waller need more help.

The Raiders could get aggressive for Patterson, as they have roughly $21 million in cap space. They don’t have to swing big for a top-shelf WR, but they could bring in a talented WR that can be an x-factor in many ways (RB/WR/KR). Plus, a backfield exhibiting Josh Jacobs, Kenyan Drake (free agent in 2023), and Patterson, could prove to be one of the best in the league.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins new head coach Mike McDaniels will look to bring the Miami Dolphins back to the playoffs in 2022. He’s a very creative coach and he would fantasize about having Patterson in his offense. The Dolphins also have the most cap space in the NFL (roughly $64 million). The value of adding Patterson has to be very tempting for McDaniels. They could opt to ink Patterson and still swing big at a few other positions if they desire.

The deep threat Will Fuller and RB Duke Johnson are also a free agents in 2022, so they need to replace them. Patterson could help fill in two pair of shoes at once. The Dolphins need to get over the hump and Patterson would be a big assist in that direction. Jaylen Waddle, who unveiled 104 receptions, 1,015, and six touchdowns, could formulate a dangerous WR combo with Patterson.

Seattle Seahawks

Russell Wilson is still singing “Somebody to Love” by Queen in the 2021 offseason. He has DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, but they could use another spark to their 21st ranked passing offense. Freddie Swain wasn’t an earth shattering prescense with 343 yards and four touchdowns last season. Patterson could be another valuable deep threat for Wilson and he could also bring value to their rushing attack.

Rashaad Penny was a stud with 749 yards, while averaging 6.3 YPC. Although, there’s a serious question mark after Penny. Chris Carson underwent neck surgery in November, was placed on IR, and he is a 2022 free agent. It seems very likely that Carson isn’t reuniting with Seattle in the near future. They could ink Patterson to be a much needed RB2 and third WR for Wilson to help him return to MVP form.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars first overall pick in 2021 had nightmare season in year one. Trevor Lawrence saw his rookie RB and former Clemson teammate Travis Etienne suffer a season ending injury before the season. He would proceed to witness his head coach Urban Meyer get fired before the end of the season. It was a year to forget for Lawrence, as he threw 17 interceptions and only 12 touchdowns. He will hope that former Super Bowl champion Doug Pederson has a plan to turn it around.

The Jags signed Marvin Jones last offseason, but he can’t solve all of their problems. Jones was still a quality WR in the chaotic Jags offense (73, 832, 4). They could use an all purpose weapon in the pass game and the running game to help Lawrence cut his turnovers down and be a more efficient passer. The Jags also have roughly $60 million in cap space, so they could bring in a couple of toys for T-Lawrence.

Honorable mention:

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals don’t need Patterson, but they could have a plan and money for him. The AFC Champions have roughly $50 million in cap space. Plus, they would have to be towards the top of the best cultures to potentially land him. He may not have a superb offer from Cincy, but he could chase a ring and be a part of an elite, ascending team in the Bengals. Joe Burrow is one of the best young QBs in the league and Ja’Marr Chase hauled in 81 receptions, 1,455 yards, and 13 touchdowns as a rookie in the NFL.

The Bengals could benefit from his talent in the special teams area and as a backup to Joe Mixon. The Bengals backup RB Samaje Perine unleashed a mere 246 yards and two touchdowns. It’s safe to say Patterson could be a better partner to Mixon and help the Bengals have more speed in the backfield. The Bengals also aren’t perfect, as they will aim to take revenge against an NFC foe in aims of winning their first ever Super Bowl.