The Minnesota Vikings are not happy with Cordarrelle Patterson and the wide receiver is not thrilled with the team that much either. Many expected Patterson to be one of the top offensive layers in the league by his second year, but that is not happening as he continues to not meet expectations. The Vikings have tried to get Patterson involved more with the offense, but then sat him out the entire first half against the Carolina Panthers. After staying quiet, Patterson told media he is not thrilled about his status on the team.
Patterson is one of the more dynamic wide receivers in the league. He proved that earlier in the season when he rushed for over 100 yards in a game. However, his stat line in Week 13 had nothing by zeros in it as the second-year pro sat out the first half and only got one ball thrown his way in the second half. Patterson admits he has no idea why he has very little involvement in the offense right now.
"The things I want to say are not going to be said," Patterson said, via the Minnesota Star Tribune. "You have to talk to coach (Mike) Zimmer about that and the offensive coordinator (Norv Turner). That is their decision, and I stand behind them. I really don't know. But if you find out let me know. Let's see how this week goes and if it isn't going like I want to, I'll step up and have a conversation with them."
Patterson said earlier in the year that he was not going to be the kind of player that demanded the ball during a game, but it is clear the wide receiver is growing frustrated with his role. Zimmer said that Patterson missed most of practice this week due to a family issue, but the wide receiver said he was good to go. Turner has been critical of the routes Patterson is running and his ability to get open when quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looks to throw him the ball.
There has been a lot of speculation that the Vikings could try and move on from Patterson this offseason, something he likely would not turn down. The wide receiver is a former first-round draft pick and still has a lot of value on the market if he becomes available. A number of teams would love to get his dynamic abilities into their offense if possible. NFLMock.com has the Vikings listed as a team possibly willing to jump up and draft someone like Amari Cooper or Kevin White which means that Patterson could be out.
Who would take a chance on the wide receiver? The Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns are in need of a big playmaker. The New England Patriots could take a look if they opt to part ways with either Danny Amendola or Aaron Dobson. There will be a team looking to strike a deal if the Vikings feel that is the best path to take.
