Falcons sign Cordarrelle Patterson, Duron Harmon

Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Ford (38) after a 45-yard kickoff return to open the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Credit: TNS

Credit: TNS

Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Mike Ford (38) after a 45-yard kickoff return to open the first quarter Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

The Falcons reached a deal with Cordarrelle Patterson, one the NFL’s top returners, his agent confirmed to the AJC and the team later announced Thursday morning.

The Falcons also announced that safety Duron Harmon signed with the team.

Patterson, 30, who was drafted as a wide receiver out of Tennessee, has carved a niche in the league as a returner. He was a wide receiver early in his eight-year career and was shifted to part-time running back recently. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro choice as a returner.

He will play running back for the Falcons.

According to NFL Media, his contract with the Falcons is for one year at $3 million. He was paid $5 million by the Bears last season.

Patterson, listed at 6-foot-2 and 227 pounds, made the Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro in 2019 and 2020 while playing for the Bears. He was also a Pro Bowler and made All-Pro in 2013 and 2016 with the Vikings.

He was drafted in the first round (29th overall) by the Vikings in 2013.

In 2020, Patterson returned 35 kicks for 1,017 yards, with a 104-yard touchdown. For his career, Patterson has averaged 29.8 yards per kick return.

Harmon, 30, has played in 127 games, making 45 starts, over eight NFL seasons, with the Patriots and the Lions. He has recorded 248 tackles (191 solo) with two tackles for loss and has 19 interceptions and 33 passes defensed in his career.

Harmon (6-1, 205) was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2013 draft out of Rutgers.

Falcons’ 2021 draft position: Here are the top 10 picks in D. Led’s Mock Draft 4.0:

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence (QB, Clemson)

2. New York Jets: Zach Wilson, (QB, BYU)

3. San Francisco 49ers: Justin Fields (QB, Ohio State)

4. Atlanta Falcons: Penei Sewell (OT, Oregon)

5. Cincinnati Bengals: Ja’Marr Chase (WR, LSU)

6. Miami Dolphins: Kyle Pitts (TE, Florida)

7. Detroit Lions: DeVonta Smith (WR, Alabama)

8. Carolina Panthers: Jaylen Waddle (WR, Alabama)

9. Denver Broncos: Trey Lance (QB, North Dakota State)

10. Dallas Cowboys: Patrick Surtain (CB, Alabama)

The Bow Tie Chronicles Podcasts:

For more content about the Atlanta Falcons

Follow me on Twitter @DorlandoAJC

On Facebook at Atlanta Falcons News Now