Should Falcons Trade RB Cordarrelle Patterson After Drafting Bijan Robinson?

The Atlanta Falcons could no longer have a need for running back Cordarrelle Patterson after drafting rookie Bijan Robinson.

The Atlanta Falcons didn't draft for need with the No. 8 overall pick. Instead, they selected the best player available in running back Bijan Robinson. This was despite the breakout rookie season from Tyler Allgeier, who set the Falcons' record for rushing yards in a single season with 1,035. 

This gives the Falcons two backs capable of rushing for 1,000 yards. But where does that leave Cordarrelle Patterson? The 32-year-old was considered the No. 1 back for the Falcons heading into last season. But injuries saw him jumped by Allgeier as he broke out in Patterson's absence. With Allgeier being the main guy in Atlanta's backfield, Patterson was reduced to being more of a receiving back. Now with Robinson being added to the room, could that mean Patterson is surplus to requirements? 

That is an idea that a recent article from Bleacher Report explored as they proposed a trade that would see the Falcons ship off Patterson to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a 2024 seventh-round pick. 

"Since Patterson is a realistic cut candidate for the Falcons, offering a seventh-round pick should be enough to get this deal done," Bleacher Report wrote. 

Getting something for Patterson would be better than just cutting him outright. The Falcons have other needs on their offense where the 10-year veteran could help them, like at slot receiver. 

Atlanta has its No. 1 guy out wide with Drake London and two good tight ends in Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith. But the Falcons are missing someone who could work in the slot. Patterson did this back in 2017 with the Oakland Raiders, playing 118 of his 587 total snaps in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus. 

No, the 32-year-old may not be high up on the Falcons' depth chart at running back, but he can still be a contributor to the Falcons' offense in the slot and on special teams as the returner. 

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