Much has been made about Cordarrelle Patterson this season. Ever since his breakout game in Week 1, the wide receiver has been relatively inactive for the Minnesota Vikings. He was even benched at one point this year as frustrations grow regarding his involvement with the offense. Both Patterson and the coaching staff have voiced frustrations about one another and now they have apparently aired out their differences together as trade rumors loom.
For the past two weeks, Patterson has posted zeros across the board in terms of receiving stats. Against the New York Jets, he did managed to get one rushing carry for six years, but he fumbled the ball and lost it. In month over November, Patterson has five catches total. This is not what Minnesota had in mind in regards to their former first-round draft pick. After everyone said frustrations to the media, both sides are now sitting down to get things fixed.
According to Patterson, he sat down with head coach Mike Zimmer so both could get on the same page. Zimmer has been frustrated with Patterson's production. Patterson has been frustrated with his lack of targets and playing time.
"Me and Coach Zimmer, we had a little heart-to-heart talk this morning," Patterson said, via the Minneapolis Star Tribune. "He kept it real with me and I told him how I feel, so just talking to him, I believe in everything he says. I stand behind him and Coach Turner. I respect everything they're doing. Getting that talk out of the way, it makes a little less pressure on me. It makes me feel good to go in there and talk to him."
Patterson's poor position with the Vikings have led to a number of trade rumors. Charles Johnson and Jarius Wright continue to out-perform the wide receiver leading many to believe Minnesota might attempt to shop him in the offseason. Patterson is just two years removed from being a first-round draft pick so his return value would still be very high. Several teams would ideally love to get their hands on Patterson who could be a real star if used efficiently.
Zimmer has maintained the stance that he believes in the talent of Patterson and things that he can be a solid play for the Vikings. However, if another team were to call and offer a solid draft pick for the wide receiver, it seems unlikely Minnesota would reject the move.