Cordarrelle Patterson reportedly signing with Chicago

You can add kickoff returner to the list of Patriots needs this offseason.

According to ESPN, Cordarrelle Patterson will sign a two-year, $10 million deal with the Chicago Bears when free agency starts on Wednesday.

Last season was Patterson’s first in Foxboro after being acquired in a trade with Oakland. The 27-year-old was a jack-of-all-trades for the Patriots. Patterson finished with 21 receptions for 247 yard and three receiving touchdowns to go along with 228 [...]

You can add kickoff returner to the list of Patriots needs this offseason.

According to ESPN, Cordarrelle Patterson will sign a two-year, $10 million deal with the Chicago Bears when free agency starts on Wednesday.

Last season was Patterson’s first in Foxboro after being acquired in a trade with Oakland. The 27-year-old was a jack-of-all-trades for the Patriots. Patterson finished with 21 receptions for 247 yard and three receiving touchdowns to go along with 228 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. He was also named a second-team All-Pro as a kickoff returner, averaging 28.8 yards per return and scoring one touchdown.

Patterson was used as a running back more last season than he ever has before, starting two games in the backfield. He set career highs in rushing attempts and rushing yards as offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels found creative ways to get the ball in Patterson’s hands. He also helped when the Patriots running back depth was low due to injuries.

With Patterson out, the Patriots need a new kickoff returner and more depth at receiver. Free agents with kick return experience include Andre Roberts, Corey Grant, Tavon Austin, Ameer Abdullah, Ty Montgomery, Cody Latimer, Deonte Thompson and De’Anthony Thomas.