Cordarrelle Patterson 2017 contract value estimated by Yahoo Sports reporter

Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) returns a kickoff to start the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) returns a kickoff to start the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /
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The minimum amount that a 2017 contract for Cordarrelle Patterson would cost the Minnesota Vikings or another NFL team in free agency was estimated.

One of the hardest things for fans to do is estimate the cost that free agency will command when it comes to contracts signed in free agency. So many factors go into play that even the most educated Minnesota Vikings fans can struggle to get an accurate value of the players.

This offseason, there are several former Vikings players getting ready to hit free agency. Captain Munnerlyn, Matt Kalil, Cordarrelle Patterson, and others are all on track to find out how other teams value them as players.

Recently, a Twitter post from Yahoo Sports senior NFL and investigative reporter for Yahoo Charles Robinson discussed Patterson’s value:

Honestly, for anyone to be anticipating his contract to be anything less than $4 million per year is a bit absurd.

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If nothing, his contributions on special teams, potential as a wide receiver, and freakish physical abilities will likely make that number climb above $5 million per season.

Although Minnesota went several seasons without using Patterson in the offense as much as they likely could have, ignoring his past contributions and underestimating his value to special teams appears to have some fans and experts keeping his estimated value lower than it should be.

As a former first round draft pick, Patterson has shown flashes of brilliance on offense and has consistently been at or near the top of all kick return statistical categories. To think that some team will be able to sign him for pennies on the dollar compared to other wide receivers is an absurd thought.

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Of course, all this will likely be sorted out once free agency starts. If the Minnesota Vikings are unable to lock him down before other teams can make offers, the offers may even go much higher than anyone anticipates.