Should they stay or go? 2017 Vikings free-agents: Cordarrelle Patterson

2 of 4

Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs after the catch in the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Dallas Cowboys beat the Minnesota Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

The Vikings should keep Patterson in Minnesota:

After experiencing a bit of a re-birth in the offense this season, the Vikings should find a way to keep Patterson on the roster for at least a couple more years. His versatility alone adds an element to Minnesota’s play calling that they have not had since the departure of wide receiver Percy Harvin back in 2013.

It is also easy to dismiss his value as a kick returner, but that is not something that should be ignored. Thanks to Patterson, Minnesota average starting field position following a kickoff (26.3) was the fourth best in the NFL in 2016.

At 25-years-old, Patterson still has plenty of time to blossom into the player the Vikings had envisioned him becoming when they selected him in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. A two-year contract would be ideal, but a four-year, incentive-laden deal may be something more realistic in order for Minnesota to keep the young wide receiver in town next year.

Plus, at his age and projected price tag, Patterson is a bargain compared to the kind of money some other free-agent wide receivers will be looking for this offseason. Signing players like Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson, or Pierre Garçon would take away from the funds the Vikings need to use for improving the other sections of their roster this offseason.

Home/Minnesota Vikings News