Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) before an an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)

Tyler Kaufman

PITTSBURGH – Moments after the NFL passed a new rule in March that will drastically change kickoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed one of the league's best kickoff returners of all time.

Cordarrelle Patterson might be 33, but his credentials as a returner are unmatched. He enters his 12th season in the NFL as the all-time leader in yardage per kickoff return (29.3) and kickoff returns for touchdowns (nine). His touchdown total is an NFL record, and Patterson believes his knack for returning kicks will continue to be an asset even though the play will look nothing like the traditional kickoff that had been in place since the league's inception.

"I'm ready to show the world what I can do," Patterson said.

Kickoffs in the NFL had become a somewhat of a non-play in recent years. Most kickers can boot the ball deep into or out of the end zone for touchbacks. Under the new rule, kickers will still kick off from the 35-yard line, but the coverage team will align at the opposing team's 40-yard line, with the receiving team aligning between the 30 and 35.

All kickoffs must land between the goal line and the 20-yard line. If it lands before then or out of bounds, the receiving team will get the ball at the 40. Kickers can still boot the ball into the end zone for touchbacks, but the receiving team will now get the ball at the 30-yard line rather than the 25.

There are many other details to the new play, but it's designed to make the play safer and bring kickoff returns back into the game. The rule has been adapted from a similar kickoff play the XFL used in recent seasons. The XFL had a return rate of 97% on kickoffs during their 2023 season, while the NFL had a kickoff return rate of just 22% last season.

Patterson, who returned 43 kickoffs as a rookie in 2013 with the Minnesota Vikings, has had just 34 opportunities to return kicks in the past three seasons.

"As soon as the rule happened, it was exciting for me," Patterson said. "It will be very different, but we've been planning for it for a while. Hopefully, we get a jumpstart on it."

Patterson has just one kickoff return for a touchdown in the past three seasons, but the Steelers and special teams coach Danny Smith are confident his skills will still play under the new rules. Just don't ask Patterson to divulge any details on how the Steelers plan to approach the play.

There has been much speculation about how this play will change special teams personnel across the league. Some special teams coaches could opt for small but quicker players to operate in the small landing area, while other teams could choose to keep bigger bodies on the field.

"I can't really say too much," Patterson said. "I can't really tell you everything. Coach Smith will get mad at me."

Patterson's role on offense is a bit of a mystery, too. He did not participate in the first two weeks of spring practices, and the only work he did this week was some conditioning on the side.

At 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, Patterson is not your typical small and shifty returner. He entered the league as a first-round pick and has played running back and receiver throughout his career. He played the past three seasons in Atlanta, where new Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was the head coach.

Smith highlighted his running skills in 2021 and 2022, with Patterson rushing for more than 1,300 yards combined in those two seasons, but he had just 181 rushing yards last season after the Falcons used a first-round pick on running back Bijan Robinson.

It was Smith who reached out to Patterson about signing with the Steelers after he was hired. Patterson is one of several former Atlanta Falcons who signed on as free agents this spring. Tight end McCoyle Pruitt and receivers Scotty Miller and Van Jefferson also played for Smith in Atlanta.

Patterson likely will play in a variety of roles in Smith's offense.

"I don't sit down," Patterson joked. "I'm in everyone's meetings.

"I know my role. I know what I can bring to this team, so whatever they need me to do, I'm that guy."