Would the Minnesota Vikings Trade Cordarrelle Patterson?
By Erik Lambert
Oct 19, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) reaches for a pass while being defended by Buffalo Bills cornerback Leodis McKelvin (21) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Minnesota 17 to 16. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Expectations were high for wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson at the start of 2014. The Minnesota Vikings may feel that he hasn’t lived up to them. After a solid rookie campaign, the Tennessee product has failed to make a significant jump in production that is often expected of players entering their second year. Through nine games he has just 26 catches for 306 yards and one touchdown. Head coach Mike Zimmer and offensive coordinator Norv Turner are worried about his consistency issues. One week he can look great and the next invisible.
"“We’re trying to get Cordarrelle involved in the offense. We’d love for him to be involved but guys have to make sure that they are in the right places all the time.”"
It’s certainly not for lack of trying. The Vikings have made a serious effort to direct a number of their pass plays towards the speedy big receiver, but too often he either bungles the catch or runs the route wrong. At this point patience is being preached but it’s important to remember that Patterson was not the choice of Zimmer or Turner. They inherited him from the previous regime. So that begs the question. If he continues to struggle would they consider trading him?
Oakland Raiders headline list of teams that would have interest
At age 23, Patterson is still plenty young. He boasts good size at 6’2″ but his most intoxicating feature is his speed. If he can get into the open field there is scarcely anybody that can catch. Another team may want to take that risk in the hopes it’s just taking him too long to turn the corner. Among the NFL franchises that need help at the position include the Oakland Raiders, who would love to give rookie Derek Carr another weapon. The Seattle Seahawks love fast receivers and have business history with the Minnesota Vikings. Also keep in mind the Kansas City Chiefs may part ways with Dwayne Bowe in 2015.
It’s not likely the team is ready to close the door on Cordarrelle Patterson just yet, but things can change over the last seven games of the season. If he continues to struggle, the team won’t have many more chances to get some good return back on their investment.