Patterson nice grab on special teams
The Patriots bolstered their special teams last night in a surprising trade with the Raiders.
They acquired wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson and a sixth-round draft pick in exchange for a fifth-rounder, according to a source. Patterson, a first-rounder in 2013, will fill the kick return void that was left by outgoing running back Dion Lewis, and he might be of service as a depth receiver.
Patterson, who will carry a non-guaranteed $3.25 million price tag in 2018, led the NFL in kickoff average in three of his five seasons, averaging 30.2 yards in his career. He has five kickoff returns for touchdowns.
For the sake of comparison, Lewis averaged 24.8 yards per kickoff return last season. Among players with at least 20 opportunities, it was the best performance by a Patriots kick returner in seven years.
Meanwhile, Patterson’s average is the best in the NFL since he entered the league among players with at least 20 returns. He figures to be one of the best home-run threats of coach Bill Belichick’s tenure.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder has been serviceable as a receiver, but it’s better to temper expectations for his ability to contribute within the Patriots offense. He has 163 career receptions for 1,625 yards and seven touchdowns.
Interestingly, Patterson had previously been linked to the Patriots, who traded the No. 29 pick in 2013 to the Vikings for the assets that helped them acquire linebacker Jamie Collins, cornerback Logan Ryan, wide receiver Josh Boyce and a pick that was used in a trade for running back LeGarrette Blount. The Vikings in turn used that selection on Patterson.
The Patriots’ top three receivers appear set with Julian Edelman, Brandin Cooks and Chris Hogan. Malcolm Mitchell, Phillip Dorsett, Kenny Britt and Patterson will compete from there, and Riley McCarron and Cody Hollister round out the group. Danny Amendola signed with the Dolphins, and special teams captain Matthew Slater is still a free agent.
Patterson’s spot on the roster shouldn’t be viewed as a complete lock. But if he can display the same kick return ability that he has shown over the past five seasons, he’ll have a strong chance to make the team out of camp. Furthermore, if he can sync up with quarterback Tom Brady, it’d make the decision even easier.
For the price of shuffling down the draft board in the later rounds, it was worth exploring the potential of a dynamic return specialist.
Pats, Chung agree
Safety Patrick Chung agreed to his two-year contract extension last night, according to a source. The deal is worth $11.5 million through 2020. Chung, whose previous contract was set to expire after 2018, and the Pats gained momentum toward the extension Saturday. He’ll earn $5.4 million in 2018.
Bridgewater to Jets
The New York Jets have signed former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a one-year contract. The Jets made the signing official one day after they acquired the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft from the Colts — likely with the intention of assuring themselves of getting one of the top available QBs.
Bridgewater is still looking to return from a serious knee injury in August 2016 that sidelined him for most of the past two years.
New York also announced the signings of former Titans linebacker Avery Williamson and former Redskins center Spencer Long, along with the re-signings of cornerback Morris Claiborne, defensive lineman Mike Pennel and safety Terrence Brooks.
Steelers ink Bostic
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed inside linebacker Jon Bostic to a twoyear contract.
The 26-year-old Bostic played 14 games for Indianapolis last season.