The national media has already spent a lot of time wondering where Adrian Peterson might play in 2017 and he’s not even a free agent – yet.
However, there’s another Vikings playmaker about to become a free agent that no one is talking about – Cordarrelle Patterson.
Patterson is still very much an unknown after his first four seasons in the NFL. He’s had two years where he has shown all kinds of promise, and two seasons where he nearly disappeared.
While the Vikings have not indicated if they intend to re-sign Patterson, there appears to be a decent market for him. Here are a few places that he could end up if he’s not back in Minnesota.
1. Baltimore Ravens
FanRag thinks Baltimore is by far the best possible landing spot for Patterson outside of Minnesota. Ravens coach John Harbaugh has a special teams background and Patterson would bring a big time kick returner back to Baltimore.
With Steve Smith retiring, Baltimore also has a need at receiver and Patterson would be reunited with Mike Wallace in Baltimore. The pair played together for one season in Minnesota.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have a need for a player that matches perfectly with Patterson’s skills.
Philadelphia cut ties with their hybrid receiver and kick returner Josh Huff after he was arrested for speeding, marijuana possession and possessing a hand gun in New Jersey.
The blog Inside the Eagles says signing Patterson would give Philadelphia the downfield big playmaker the team needs. The blog also points out that he could help fill the void if Darren Sproles retires after the 2017 season, because he’s played some running back.
3. Buffalo Bills
Like the other two teams on this list Buffalo has needs both on special teams and at receiver. Patterson has indicated that playing time is really important for him, so Buffalo might offer even more opportunity for him than the other two spots.
Buffalo’s leading receiver from last year Robert Woods is a free agent, there’d be a huge hole opposite of Sammy Watkins, which would maybe give Patterson a chance to start.
The Bills also haven’t had a kickoff or punt returned for a touchdown since 2014 – something Patterson could definitely help with.
