'We'll Have a Formulated Plan!' Falcons Special Teams Coach on Avery Williams' Future

Cordarrelle Patterson is a legendary special teams player, but there's no guarantee he'll be on the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. Is Avery Williams the next man up at kick returner?

Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson has made a living due to his special teams prowess, entrenching himself as one of the best kick returners in NFL history.

However, with only void years left on his contract and his age-33 season looming, Patterson may find himself elsewhere for Week 1. The selection of running back Bijan Robinson and the versatility he carries mitigates the value Patterson has on this Atlanta roster, although there will be a sizable gap to fill in at kick returner.

Expect the Falcons to look for an internal promotion to the position first.

Nov 10, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) and Atlanta Falcons cornerback Avery Williams (35) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium / Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

On Thursday, Atlanta special teams coordinator Marquice Williams spoke about the possibilities should Patterson be replaced, including running back Avery Williams.

“Well, when CP was down for a couple of games in my first two seasons in ’21 and ’22, Avery did return for us and that’s what he did at Boise State," Williams said. "Now, whoever we have on the roster, whoever is going to be up when we talk about the 48 which will be months from now, we’ll have a formulated plan to put the best guys back there when it comes to our return game situation."

Avery Williams missed the entirety of the 2023 season with a torn ACL that he suffered during training camp.

His best flashes as a kick returner came in 2021, though he didn’t do enough to take significant snaps away from a healthy Patterson. Williams has neither muffed a kick/punt nor returned an attempt for a score. His lone touchdown came as a running back in 2022 when he accumulated 109 yards and six first downs on 2022 attempts.

Williams’ roster spot will likely entirely hinge on whether or not he’s replaced as a return man given the state of the running back position. However, a Day 3 pick on a rookie contract is a cheaper alternative than free-agent special teamers that may be considered.

Cordarrelle Patterson 'Best in History', Says Coach

While he hasn’t been overly consistent – Pro Football Focus gave him much better grades as a kick returner in 2021 than in 2022, and vice-versa as a punt returner – he may have to prove additional roster utility to earn the job. A fellow running back or receiver that provides more on offense with similar results on special teams could ultimately render the fourth-year returner inactive on game days.