Cordarrelle Patterson: Chicago Bears reportedly interested
After a well-timed bounce back season, Cordarrelle Patterson is getting interest from another NFC North team.
As a rookie in 2013, Cordarrelle Patterson was a multi-dimensional force for the Minnesota Vikings. Beyond earning a Pro Bowl nod as a kickoff returner with two touchdowns in that area, he had 45 receptions and seven combined rushing and receiving touchdowns, as he was heavily involved in the offense late in that season.
A change in coaching regime did Patterson no favors over the following two seasons though, with head coach Mike Zimmer not afraid to be critical of Patterson’s work ethic. He hardly played wide receiver in 2015 with just two receptions for 10 yards.
Entering the final year of his contract, 2016 was clearly a make-or-break year for Patterson. He embraced the role of “gunner” on special teams coverage, while also re-emerging as a factor in Minnesota’s offense with 52 receptions. Patterson added a second career Pro Bowl selection as a kickoff returner, leading the league in kickoff return average for the third time in his career (31.7 yards per return).
Patterson may be open to switching to running back, just like Ty Montgomery did with the Packers last season. Regardless of his future position or role, Patterson is getting some early free agent interest from another of the Vikings’ division rivals.
Not sure if out there but source tells @sn_nfl that @ChicagoBears expected to make push to sign @Vikings UFA WR @ceeflashpee84
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) March 7, 2017
Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery seems sure to sign elsewhere as a free agent, so the Bears are lacking weapons around whoever will be their quarterback next season. With over $54 million in salary cap space right now, they are in good position to add pieces in free agency.
Next: NFL Free Agency 2017: Top 5 available players
Based on potential, Patterson is in line to be overpaid as a free agent. He is still not a polished wide receiver, and needs touches manufactured for him within an offense. And that leaves out a conveniently timed season where he seemed like a team-first guy by taking on a role in kick coverage, with his NFL career probably on the line. Most teams will run from a guy like that, but the Bears are getting the first spot in a line that may never form.