Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Veteran NFL player Cordarrelle Patterson was officially released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on July 28, 2025, just days into training camp.
- His 2024 season was hampered by injuries and decline in performance, managing limited stats across 13 games.
- The Steelers’ roster move reflects salary cap restructuring and strategic shifts, saving approximately $2 million in cap space.
- Patterson, known for his elite kick return record, now faces free agency with potential opportunities for a veteran role elsewhere.
- This release exemplifies the harsh realities of NFL veteran careers, where age and injuries influence roster decisions.
Background: The 2024 Season and Challenges
Patterson signed a two-year deal with the Steelers in April 2024. However, his season was plagued by injuries and a decline in explosiveness. Beginning on the non-football injury (NFI) list, he was activated minimally, accumulating only 135 rushing yards and zero rushing touchdowns in 13 games, alongside 80 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.
His special teams role, where he’s the NFL record-holder for most kickoff return touchdowns (nine), was also affected due to injuries, diminishing his impact on game-changing plays.
The Steelers’ offseason saw additions like Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson, indicating a strategic shift that further threatened Patterson’s roster spot. In addition, he missed practice early in camp due to a minor injury, fueling speculation about his release.
Financial and Team Implications
Set to earn a base salary of $2.8 million in 2025, Patterson’s release allows the Steelers to save significant cap space. The move results in a $950,000 dead money charge on their books for 2025, highlighting the team’s focus on roster flexibility and restructuring.
What’s Next for Cordarrelle Patterson?
Now a free agent, Patterson’s future remains uncertain but still promising due to his versatility and special teams value. Despite recent setbacks, his career accomplishments as a dependable running back and record-holding kick returner make him an attractive option for teams seeking veteran leadership and multi-role contribution.
Why This Matters
Patterson’s release emphasizes the harsh realities faced by veteran NFL players, where factors like age, injuries, and team strategy rapidly influence roster decisions. For Steelers fans, it signals the end of a short experiment with a versatile but injury-prone player. Leveraging NFL roster shifts, the move serves as a reminder of the league’s ongoing evolution and focus on salary cap management.
Final Thoughts
Cordarrelle Patterson’s departure from the Steelers marks a notable moment in the 2025 preseason. As teams finalize their lineups, the door remains open for a veteran with his skill set to join another roster. Fans and analysts will continue to watch his journey closely, eager to see where the explosively talented kick return record-holder lands next.
Stay tuned as this story unfolds through training camp and into the upcoming NFL season.
FAQs
Why did the Steelers release Cordarrelle Patterson?
The Steelers released Patterson primarily due to roster reshuffling aimed at salary cap flexibility and strategic roster evaluation, compounded by his injury struggles and reduced role on the team.
What is Cordarrelle Patterson’s future in the NFL?
As a free agent, Patterson’s future depends on interest from teams willing to utilize his versatility and special teams prowess. His veteran experience remains valuable in various roles.
How much salary cap space did the Steelers save?
Releasing Patterson freed up approximately $2 million in salary cap space, with a $950,000 dead money charge on their books for 2025.
Sources
- Steelers Release RB Cordarrelle Patterson – 2025-07-28
- Cordarrelle Patterson Announces His Own Release From Steelers With Funny Tweet – 2025-07-28
- Steelers releasing Cordarrelle Patterson just days into training camp – 2025-07-28
- Cordarrelle Patterson says that the Steelers released him. – Instagram – 2025-07-28
- Patterson says he’s been released by Steelers – 2025-07-28