Patriots trade for Raiders wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson

Even after losing Danny Amendola in free agency, the New England Patriots are deep at the wide receiver position. Nevertheless, the team still decided to add to the group by making a trade with the Oakland Raiders. As first reported by the Pardon My Take podcast and since confirmed by other outlets, the Patriots traded for wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson:

Breaking - Reports out of Oakland, recurring guest WR Cordarrelle Patterson expected to be traded to the Patriots per sources. Please credit

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport later added the terms of the deal:

Terms: The #Patriots traded for WR Cordarrelle Patterson, while swapping a 5th round pick for a #Raiders 6th round pick.

Patterson originally joined the NFL as a first round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 2013 (in a slot originally owned by New England). While the speedster – Patterson runs a 4.42 40-yard dash – was inconsistent as a wide receiver, he found success as a kickoff returner. After four years in Minnesota, the 6'2, 220 lbs receiver was signed by the Oakland Raiders.

In 2017, his lone season with the team, Patterson caught 31 passes for 309 yards while also running back 19 kickoffs for an average of 28.3 yards per return. His abilities to contribute on offense and special teams paired with his measurables apparently made him a trade target for the Patriots, who moves down one round in the draft to pick up the 27-year old.

In New England, Patterson will likely serve as the top option as a kick returner – thus replacing running back Dion Lewis – and a depth player at wide receiver.