Cordarrelle Patterson: Prefers to stay in Minnesota

Patterson has already visited the Bears and Redskins, but he said Saturday he hopes to stay with the Vikings, the St. Paul Pioneer Prees reports.

Patterson is flying around the country to evaluate the market for his services, with the next stop believed to be Oakland. While players typically opt for the best deal available on their second contracts, Patterson might consider giving the Vikings a slight discount. He re-emerged as a factor in the Minnesota offense last season, catching 52 passes for 453 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 70 targets, in addition to his typically excellent work as a kickoff returner. Patterson will likely have to compete for a No. 3 or No. 4 receiver role wherever he ends up signing.