Cordarrelle Patterson wants to re-sign with Falcons, finish his career in Atlanta: 'I feel like I'm at home'

Patterson isn't looking to cash in somewhere else in free agency

The Atlanta Falcons won't be making the playoffs, but first-year head coach Arthur Smith has done some good things despite the Falcons recording their fourth-straight losing season. For example, he accomplished something not even Bill Belichick could do, and that was unlocking Cordarrelle Patterson.

The versatile offensive weapon was always seen as a player who could make a huge impact on the ground, through the air and on special teams, but coaches and offensive coordinators struggled to find a way for Patterson to reach his full potential. That changed in 2021 at the age of 30, as he's recorded a career-high 1,154 yards from scrimmage on 200 touches along with 11 touchdowns. This season has rejuvenated Patterson, who says he's going to play as long as he possibly can. 

"I still got 10 years left in me," Patterson said, via the Falcons' official website "Ten years, plus. I'mma be here 'till they kick me out."

While the Falcons have one more game to play this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, soon will come offseason priorities, and Patterson is sure to be one. Last year, the Falcons signed Patterson to a one-year, $3 million deal. He will be free to test the free agency waters, but that's not what he's interested in. Patterson wants to stay in Atlanta.

"I've been around five teams, eight offensive coordinators; being here, I feel like I'm at home. Why not just finish my career here?" Patterson said. "I'm comfortable with all the guys in the locker room, the coaches, you know, and everybody so why not finish my career here?"

Patterson has spent his nine NFL seasons with five different teams, and hasn't spent longer than two seasons with one team ever since departing the Minnesota Vikings, who selected him with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. However, he's identified a place he wants to make home.