Cordarrelle Patterson

[dead_poet]

I've expressed my opinion about Patterson (and Johnson) enough that everyone probably knows where I stand by now. In short, I believe they should have been played last year. Maybe not started but still played. So much for that.

The only thing I want to add is given Patterson's kick return abilities and the impact it has on the team when he scores a TD, I think the Vikings really need to hang onto him. I still believe he could help the passing game but that aside, folks, he's a freakin' terror as a kick returner. That's important. Why let some other NFL team have the best kick returner in the league?

It's not about "let." We're not talking about releasing him. It's about the Vikings probably offering him a contract as a KR/depth WR when his rookie deal expires, below what he and his agent may believe he could get elsewhere with a better shot at meaningful offensive snaps.

[losperros]

It's not about "let." We're not talking about releasing him. It's about the Vikings probably offering him a contract as a KR/depth WR when his rookie deal expires, below what he and his agent may believe he could get elsewhere with a better shot at meaningful offensive snaps.

Yeah, I see what you mean, DP. And I agree. "Let" was the wrong word. It wouldn't surprise me if Patterson and his agent did find other teams interested in him.

[The Breeze]

I keep seeing him with Mariota if not here. But I'd probably get sick if he left and wound up in CAR or SEA.

[slapnut19]

we will get an idea of what the organization feels about him this off season when the 2013 draft 5th year options are decided. i think they have until early may to make the decision if 2016 will be his free agent season, or if his 5th year will be picked up.

[The Breeze]

I forgot the team has the option for a 5th year. If they want him on the team for the future I don't expect them to do more than pick up the option for now.
And true, if they don't exercise the option, it puts CP in the driver seat in terms of choices. I gotta think they keep him for another season just for the sake of his return ability.

[slapnut19]

I forgot the team has the option for a 5th year. If they want him on the team for the future I don't expect them to do more than pick up the option for now.
And true, if they don't exercise the option, it puts CP in the driver seat in terms of choices. I gotta think they keep him for another season just for the sake of his return ability.

if you look at the 2015 5th year options you can project patterson's salary to be in the 6-7 mil range for 2017 if his option does get picked up. can you really pay that much for a wr who is strictly a kr? he's a very good kr, but does he change the game that much to justify that kind of money?

[The Breeze]

@Slap
I didn't realize it was that much money. I guess if they don't work out a deal before the season, like a more affordable extension, he hits the market after the season. That's working from an assumption that he's not happy as a Viking. But he could enjoy his role, for all I know, and would probably do it for much less if that's the case, provided they want him back.
But no, I wouldn't pay that much for a KR specialist.

[Mothman]

@Slap
I didn't realize it was that much money. I guess if they don't work out a deal before the season, like a more affordable extension, he hits the market after the season. That's working from an assumption that he's not happy as a Viking. But he could enjoy his role, for all I know, and would probably do it for much less if that's the case, provided they want him back.
But no, I wouldn't pay that much for a KR specialist.

I get the impression he wants to play WR. My guess is he's as good as gone after this upcoming season.

[The Breeze]

@Jim
Yeah, I would hope/think he wants to play more.
I really think there should be a package of plays for him that fit his abilities. And I don't buy the notion that it would make the offense predictable when he's on the field.
We'll see what happens.

[jackal]

yeah the new CBA gives players huge boosts of money each year.. first round guys, even more so...

[saint33]

if you look at the 2015 5th year options you can project patterson's salary to be in the 6-7 mil range for 2017 if his option does get picked up. can you really pay that much for a wr who is strictly a kr? he's a very good kr, but does he change the game that much to justify that kind of money?

Patterson is on pace to tie the record for most kick off return TDs in league history by his 6th season. He is not merely a "very good" kick returner. He is head and shoulders the best kick off returner in the game today, and could potentially go down as the best in league history.

[HardcoreVikesFan]

Patterson is on pace to tie the record for most kick off return TDs in league history by his 6th season. He is not merely a "very good" kick returner. He is head and shoulders the best kick off returner in the game today, and could potentially go down as the best in league history.

Not to mention he is doing this all AFTER the kickoff rule change - which essentially eliminates a majority of the opportunities a kick returner has. I can only imagine how many more TDs he would have if he were playing only a few short years ago.

[The Breeze]

He's absolutely amazing with the ball in his hands. A major weapon being mostly squandered for whatever reason. It's a shame.

[saint33]

Not to mention he is doing this all AFTER the kickoff rule change - which essentially eliminates a majority of the opportunities a kick returner has. I can only imagine how many more TDs he would have if he were playing only a few short years ago.

yep, since he's entered the league no other player has returned 2 kick offs for TDs in the same season. Patterson has done it twice. Regardless of what he brings on offense, Patterson is a very beneficial piece to have on the roster. I feel like he is highly underrated by most Viking fans; simply due to not living up to his potential (or not seeing the field) on offense and the high expectations that come from a 1st round pick.

It's a shame really, cause it's not Patterson's fault the Vikings took him too early and he really does deserve to get far more credit, instead a large portion of Viking fans can't wait for the day he leaves. Of course, they may regret that when we go back to the days of the Bobby Wades/Jaymar Johnsons/Darius Reynauds at kick returner.

[Beo]

I refuse to believe that Turner can't teach Patterson a fade route and have him on the field in all redzone packages. He could be the Eagles Cris Carter where all he does is catch touchdowns. I mean really they can't get 1 route out of him???