Raiders sign WR Cordarrelle Patterson

The Oakland Raiders are adding another offensive weapon for Derek Carr’s arsenal in the form of receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.

Patterson, of course, was with the Minnesota Vikings the past four years after being selected in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Tennessee.

Though partly due to his own inability to quickly develop as a route runner, Patterson never lived up to his potential with the Vikings. In his four seasons, he made a minimal impact as a receiver, catching just 132 passes for 1,316 yards and seven touchdowns. Mainly, his impact was felt as a kickoff returner. He took five kickoffs back for touchdowns (tied for eighth all time) and holds the record (along with Antonio Cromartie) for longest kickoff return in NFL history (109 yards).

It stands to reason that, given Patterson’s emergence as a pass catcher during the second half of last season and the proficiency with which Carr can sling the pigskin, the young man can emerge as a game-breaking receiver for the Raiders. He’s still just 25 years of age and has the same freak-show athleticism that made him a first-round pick to begin with.

Oakland isn’t the only team to have interest in Patterson. The Chicago Bears were reportedly very interested in landing him, and the Vikings weren’t ruling out a return to Minnesota.

Patterson has a very good chance to post career highs in receiving next season. He’d also provide Oakland with a game changer in the return game, which in the postseason becomes all the more valuable.