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Raiders sign former Vikings WR/KR Cordarrelle Patterson

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It’s done. It’s official. Following his visit the the Raiders facility Monday, Cordarrelle Patterson signed with the team. Details on the contract have not yet been revealed.

The former first round pick by the Minnesota Vikings, played the first four years of his career in Minnesota as a receiver and kick return specialist.

The 6-2, 220-pounder was drafted out of Tennessee as a speed burner at receiver, but he never lived up to that potential. He compiled 132 receptions for 1,316 yards (10.0 avg.) with seven touchdowns over 22 career starts.

He made his mark as a kick returner, averaging an astounding 30.4 yards per return with five touchdowns over his career. One of those kick return touchdowns came against the Raiders in their meeting in the 2015 season.

Last season, he led the league averaging 31.7 yards per return. It was the second time in his career he led the league in return yard average. The previous being his rookie season when he averaged 32.6 yards per return and was also named All Pro.

He figures to be the team’s primary kick return specialist, with Jalen Richard continuing his duties returning punts. As a receiver, he can play inside or outside, but is far better suited for the outside due to suspect route running. The Raiders were in need of a slot receiver coming into the offseason, but Patterson can be the third receiver, moving Amari Cooper into the slot, making a dangerous combination.