Four Steelers Who Could Step Into Pivotal Role After Release Of Veteran

The release of veteran Cordarrelle Patterson means the Pittsburgh Steelers have a key role up for grabs.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, however, believes the group has options as it relates to its next kick returner.

“We’re not devoid of candidates,” Tomlin told reporters Tuesday, per Steelers Wire’s Andrew Vasquez. “I’m pretty comfortable with the pool of candidates, but it’s still some work to sort out.”

Tomlin acknowledged running backs Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren have experience when it comes to return duties. Third-round rookie running back Kaleb Johnson and second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson are two others the Steelers will consider.

It’ll be interesting to see how that group stacks up to Patterson, who served as Pittsburgh’s primary kick returner last season and averaged 21.8 yards per return. The 34-year-old Patterson, who will try to join his seventh team in 13 seasons, is a four-time First Team All-Pro kick returner (2013, 2016, 2019, 2020).

More: Aaron Rodgers Looks Like ‘Perfect Fit’ For Steelers’ Offense