With the NFL yesterday announcing a rules change to make kickoffs more of a factor this coming season, the Steelers went out and signed a kickoff return specialist. Former Atlanta Falcons running back/receiver/return man Cordarelle Patterson has come to terms on a two-year $6 million deal. He ranks ninth all-time in kick return yardage, averaging 29.3 yards per return. The 11-year veteran has returned nine kickoffs for touchdowns in his career.
In addition to the kickoff rules changes, the NFL will push back the trade deadline a week to the Tuesday after Week Nine. Replay will now be used for intentional grounding, roughing the passer, and hitting a player out of bounds.
And Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that there will be two Christmas Day games, despite Christmas falling on a Wednesday this year.
