Cordarrelle Patterson reportedly returns to Falcons after career-best season

Cordarrelle Patterson doesn't want to mess with a good thing. Patterson reportedly re-signed with the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday after having a career-best season with the team in 2021, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Patterson appeared to confirm the news with a profane tweet that used the Falcons' "rise up" motto. The length and financial details of Patterson's new deal were not revealed.

Patterson, 31, returns to the team that best figured out how to utilize his skills. Patterson turned in the best season of his career in 2021, setting career bests in touches, rushing yards, receiving yards and touchdowns. He finished the year with 618 rushing yards, 548 receiving yards and 11 total touchdowns. Patterson, along with Kyle Pitts, was one of the most crucial members of the Falcons' offense.

Cordarrelle Patterson wanted to be in Atlanta

Patterson made it obvious he wanted to return to the Falcons. Following the team's final game of the season, Patterson grabbed a sign from a fan in the stands and showed it off on the field. The sign read, "Keep CP84 in Atlanta."

It's no surprise why Patterson wanted to be back. After years of suboptimal usage, Patterson found a team that could finally utilize his skill set. Patterson converted to a running back with the Chicago Bears, but did not receive much playing time with the team and wasn't an asset in the team's passing attack.

Prior to that, Patterson spent six seasons as a wide receiver. He had some productive seasons as a pass catcher, but was never a high-volume target.

Patterson always had talent. He excelled as a kick returner, making the Pro Bowl and All-Pro team multiple times as a return man. He was also a first-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft.

It took years, but one team finally managed to figure out the optimal way to use Patterson. Saturday's reported deal indicates Patterson agrees with that sentiment.