Falcons’ MVP Cordarrelle Patterson’s Mysterious Tweets

After his surprising breakout season, the Atlanta Falcons have named Cordarrelle Patterson the 2021-22 Most Valuable Player. While it is not an official award, when a team employee who gets paid to write about his employer names the MVP, it’s about as legitimate as it can get. It’s interesting timing of the article, just days after a head-scratcher of a tweet on the free agent’s account.

Terry is the Falcons’ general manager, Terry Fontenot, who is now the hardest working employee in the organization. It’s on his shoulders to improve the team after another disappointing season. He will decide if the Falcons re-sign Patterson. That kind of responsibility could make anyone “scary,” but the picture shows the two men laughing with each other.

Translating Patterson’s Tweets Directed at Falcons

Patterson laughing is undoubtedly a familiar sight. Anyone who has watched or listened to his interviews should know he is a character and a fun-loving guy who likely has nicknames for just about everyone in the organization. Fontenot is the boss, and perhaps in Patterson’s view, the boss earns the nickname scary. So, it’s difficult to conclude Patterson has run into a roadblock with his desire to return to the team. Instead, it may just be a fun nickname.

https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/1480278644215984131

However, more on the 30-year-old’s social media may indicate he is the scary one in the conversation and is looking for a hefty pay raise. A few weeks ago, Patterson used social media to clarify he wanted to stay in Atlanta. He is now using the channel to ensure everyone knows his value in the free-agent market. PFF.com has the versatile player listed as the top free-agent running back ahead of Leonard Fournette, James Conner, and Chase Edmonds. That is quite an impressive feat, considering Patterson was mainly a returner and a wide receiver before signing in Atlanta one year ago. Not only is he the number one running back, but he is also ranked 59 for the entire free agent pool.

Patterson Priced Out of Falcons Roster

In April of 2021, Patterson signed a one-year deal worth $3 million. PFF.com projects his re-signing value to be double that, a 2-year contract worth $6 million a season. The same site has the running backs below Patterson signing for more money, Fournette at $8 million, Conner at $6.4 million. Over the Cap projects Patterson at $8.8 million a season.

The Falcons’ MVP is worthy of a significant pay raise after leading the team in rushing (618 yards) and touchdowns (11) and adding on another 548 receiving yards. But, he turns 31 in March, and considering his prior work in the league, the 2021-22 season could be a fluke.

Now add in where the Falcons are as a franchise, rebuilding. Does a 31-year-old running back fit in? Perhaps, but unlikely at the salary projections that are floating around. Atlanta is a least two seasons of solid drafting and free agent signings from being a true contender. By that time, Patterson would be nearing retirement and likely not putting up the numbers produced this season.

Patterson was the most entertaining player to watch in Atlanta this season. He made games bearable and produced laughs in his interviews, on the sidelines, and likely in the locker room. There is still a long road ahead for Atlanta; having a player like Patterson on that journey would make it a little more entertaining, but it may be too costly in the end.