Training camp is starting to ramp up for teams across the league, with the Patriots, among others, having their first padded practice on Monday. It was Mike Vrabel's first real look at what this team could be, even in a limited capacity, and has already created several headlines for the week ahead, including the unfortunate injury situation surrounding cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
That will be a story worth following, as initial reports have not yet indicated the severity of Gonzalez's injuries. However, that's not the only bad news that a current or former Patriot is facing.
Former New England running back/wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson announced on his own that he was released by the Steelers on his day off, making for a dramatic end to his short-lived Pittsburgh tenure.
Breaking news❗️❗️❗️Pittsburgh Steelers release old washed up cordarrelle patterson on his day off!!!
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) July 28, 2025
While it doesn't directly impact the Patriots, the team is set to take on the Steelers in Week 3, and they now know Patterson won't be a player they'll need to prepare for way ahead of time. It also could open the opportunity for a return to Foxboro, if the Patriots think he could be an asset.
Cordarrelle Patterson is a free agent again, as the Steelers unexpectedly release him
Bill Belichick is responsible for the rest of the league considering Patterson a running back/wide receiver duo. He had long been viewed as just a receiver and had a decent career in that role. But when he joined New England in 2018, he was used at both positions and thrived.
In the years since then, he has been utilized more in the backfield, with his best season happening in 2021 during his stint with the Falcons. That year, he recorded 153 carries for 618 yards and six touchdowns, plus 52 receptions for 548 yards and five scores.
It made Patterson a dual-threat offensive weapon, which had fantasy football fans ecstatic, too.
The following season, he totaled the most rushing yards of his career with 695, but was not used nearly as much in the receiving game and has since been almost non-existent in the offensive game plan during his final two years with the Falcons and Steelers.
He's now looking for a new team to join ahead of the 2025 season, and perhaps the Patriots could be an option. He's not necessarily needed with TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson expected to be the one-two punch out of the backfield. Plus, Antonio Gibson is right there waiting in the wings. However, because Patterson is a dual-threat player, he could be of use for a team hoping to have an over-the-top offense for their second-year quarterback.
The fans loved him during his one year with the team, and it's possible we could see a reunion. Don't count on it, but his availability might be worthy of paying attention to, just in case.