This time of year, it's routine to hop on social media and see that the Dallas Cowboys “are interested in Player X”.
It will be a common theme in the next couple of months, and most of the rumors will be just that, rumors.
However, the latest player tied to the Cowboys just actually could make a great deal of sense for Dallas.
In a recent tweet by @nflrums, they mention that Cordarelle Patterson has been rumored to the Cowboys should he become available.
Alas, this rumor comes with a caveat.
Patterson is currently still under contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Prior to the 2021 season, Atlanta signed Patterson to a 2yr/$10.5 million deal, but they have an out for 2023.
The Falcons can save almost $2 million against the salary cap should they choose to release Patterson into free agency.
In my opinion, it would behoove them to do so.
He has become expendable after the Falcons used high draft picks on the running back position in each of the past two drafts.
The latest being University of Texas standout and Dallas Cowboys fans' draft darling, Bijan Robinson.
If, and it's a big if, the Falcons choose to go this route, how exactly can he help the Cowboys with their current roster?
Let's take a look.
Replacement for Ezekiel Elliott
Unless you live under a rock, you already know that the Cowboys released fan favorite and seven year veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott.
Dallas has not made significant moves to replace what Zeke brought to the offense.
Currently on the roster behind Tony Pollard are free agent signing Ronald Jones, returning undrafted free agents Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle, and rookie Deuce Vaughn.
None of these names jump off the screen or bring much confidence to anyone outside of Cowboys' brass.
Patterson started his career as a kick/punt returner who occasionally moonlighted as a wide receiver.
In his two seasons with Atlanta, Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith unlocked a side of Patterson that no other coach had ever utilized.
Prior to 2021, Patterson had taken 167 handoffs in his eight year career.
In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, that number of carries ballooned to 153 and 144, respectively.
Add in 1,313 rushing yards at 4.4 yards per carry and 14 rushing touchdowns to show what he was able to accomplish with those carries.
At 6'2″ 220lbs, Patterson could immediately assume the role that Elliott left behind.
One could even argue he would be more effective at it than an injured Zeke was.
A Proven WR4
The Cowboys have had a wide receiver problem since they traded away Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns.
They currently employ a scary trio that could dominate the league, but two out of the three need to prove it again.
Brandin Cooks was recently signed, and has six 1,000 yard seasons to his name.
However, you are only as good as your last season, and Cooks' 2022 season was far below his standards.
Michael Gallup was cleared by doctors from an ACL tear last year, but did not look the same upon his return.
Beyond those top three, there are nothing but question marks.
Dallas spent a 3rd round pick last year on the supposed “NFL ready” Jalen Tolbert, but he barely saw the field because he couldn't transition mentally.
Behind CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys have mostly hope that those players will return to form.
Like our good friend Bryan Broaddus likes to say, “hope is not a strategy”.
Patterson could be the answer to make some of us feel better about that hope.
Although Patterson has never eclipsed more than 52 receptions in a single season, it's due more to lack of opportunities than ability.
He could step right into that WR4 role if the previously mentioned Tolbert still can't perform as needed.
Imagine a four wide receiver formation featuring Lamb, Cooks, Gallup, and Patterson for defenses to defend.
Proven Kick/Punt Returner
I know what you're thinking.
KaVontae Turpin is coming off of a Pro Bowl season as a returner. How could you say this?
Yes, Turpin looked decent in returns, but show me the highlight where he took one all the way to the endzone.
You won't have any luck finding that clip unless you dive into the preseason tape.
Turpin had several long returns, but the only advantage was field position.
He never reached the endzone when it mattered, and better vision could have won the playoff game in San Francisco.
Patterson won't have that problem.
He is a decorated returner that knows how to get across the goal line, as evidenced by his nine career kick return touchdowns.
If the Cowboys are true to their word of “always looking to improve the roster”, they should definitely kick the tires on Patterson should he become available.
