Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson is one free agent fans would like to see return in 2022. Following a breakout season playing running back, Patterson has expressed a strong desire to stay in Atlanta.
Whether he’s tweeting out a picture of himself hugging team owner Arthur Blank, or making custom cleats suggesting he wants to retire as a Falcon, Patterson hasn’t been shy about telling everyone where he stands.
Atlanta has until March 14 to try and re-sign him before he hits the open market. However, Patterson’s recent social media activity suggests that talks may have stalled.
Waiting for free agency like!!! pic.twitter.com/17UjbKs068
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) February 9, 2022
How I’m pulling up on the first day off free agency!!! pic.twitter.com/Ahans6mdak
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) February 14, 2022
Patterson changed his profile picture from the image of he and Arthur Blank embracing, to an older picture of his Super Bowl celebration in 2019. This time, he didn’t post about the new picture, as he did with the image of he and Blank just 10 days ago.
#NewProfilePic #MeAndPops pic.twitter.com/rDO0xga1Gk
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) February 4, 2022
His social media actions may not be topical to most, but social media is how players send messages nowadays. Look at Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. Their disconnect was made public due to Murray’s social media activity — mainly, unfollowing the team on Instagram. So while it rarely tells the whole story, social media offers a slight glimpse into what the players are thinking behind the scenes.
This doesn’t mean Patterson and the Falcons won’t get a deal done. It just suggests that maybe the two parties are not as close as it seemed a few weeks ago. However, the team is $6.6 million over the cap, which could be what is slowing down contract talks.
