Cordarrelle Patterson signing with Steelers: Why new kickoff rules could unleash former All-Pro return man

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On the same day that the NFL approved changes to the rules governing kickoffs and kick returns, one of the greatest return men in league history has found a new home. Cordarrelle Patterson will sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones. Per NFL Media, Patterson’s contract will be for two years and $6 million.

Patterson has led the NFL in yards per kick return three times, total kick return yardage twice, and kick return touchdowns six times in his 11-year career. But in more recent seasons, he hasn’t really been afforded all that many return opportunities due to the rule changes that increased the number of touchbacks and then allowed for fair catches. After returning a league-high 35 kicks for a league-high 1,017 yards in 2020, Patterson totaled just 34 returns over the last three seasons.

That should change in 2024, and the Steelers should benefit. As our own John Breech detailed earlier on Tuesday, the rule changes will be as follows:

Of the 22 players on the field for the play, 21 of them will be in the receiving team’s territory. That number will break down like this for the kicking team: 

Kicker will be by himself. The kicker will set up the ball at his own 35-yard line and after kicking it, he won’t be able to cross midfield until the ball is in play. The ball will be considered in play if the returner catches it or if the ball hits the ground in the landing zone or if the ball gets to the end zone. Coverage team will be lined up together. The other 10 players on the kicking team will be lining up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line. Each player has to have at least one foot on the 40 before the play can start. Also, the kicking team has to have five players on each…


Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cordarrelle-patterson-signing-with-steelers-why-new-kickoff-rules-could-unleash-former-all-pro-return-man/

Author : Jared Dubin

Publish date : 2024-03-26 20:35:19

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