Falcons Cordarrelle Patterson 'Playing for Contract,' Moving to Receiver in 2023?

The Atlanta Falcons have revived the career of veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, but his NFL future may rely on his play in the fall.

The Atlanta Falcons took Cordarrelle Patterson from a floundering offensive player to a respected running back, making the veteran more than just a valuable kick returner.

According to FanSided, though, Patterson's time in Atlanta is limited if he doesn't deliver in 2023. But the outlet believes he may make his bed in a position other than running back moving forward, due to Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson taking the bulk of the ball-carrying load.

"Whether or not the Falcons opt to bring the veteran back with Allgeier and Robinson in the backfield, however, could hinge entirely on how productive Patterson is as a receiver and utility player in the 2023 season," FanSided writes.

While Patterson has rushed for 1,313 yards and 14 touchdowns during his two years with the Falcons, the 32-year-old is in a loaded backfield. Touches will likely come sparingly. 

And the Falcons just need receivers. The team has not found a reliable option for Desmond Ridder to throw to past Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Patterson can now fill that role.

"With Atlanta having so little depth at receiver Patterson could easily become the second or third option at that position competing with Mack Hollins and Scotty Miller as the secondary option," FanSided continued.

And this has legs. Patterson wasn't as heavily involved in the passing game in 2022, but he hauled in a career-high 548 yards receiving and five touchdowns in 2021. He's gotten a season's worth of targets before.

If Patterson's future is with the Falcons, look for him to adapt to a true utility role in 2023.

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