Cordarrelle Patterson has been a very exciting and elusive player over his nine-year career. The four-time Pro Bowler has excelled as a return specialist but has never been a huge part of an offense across the first four teams he played for. In his first season with the Atlanta Falcons, that changed.

The 30-year-old Patterson became the ultimate Swiss-Army knife with Atlanta, recording 1,166 all-purpose yards and being a threat in the passing game and the running game. He made the most of his one-year contract and has earned himself another shot.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Falcons have re-signed Patterson. The deal is worth two years, per D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Patterson expressed a profound desire to remain with Atlanta after his breakout season. The versatility he showed made him an attractive free agent. Understandably, he was very excited to return.

The Falcons need Patterson much more after Calvin Ridley’s season-long suspension. Patterson and Kyle Pitts will shoulder a huge offensive burden, especially with Russell Gage leaving for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Following a failed pursuit of Deshaun Watson, the Falcons will likely keep Matt Ryan and look to improve on last year’s record. Although they have a lot of work to do in order to get back to the postseason, keeping Patterson is a great start. Not only are his talents rare but his energy will make him a tremendous presence in the locker room.