Cordarrelle Patterson

[*ochocincos*]

I don't expect the Bengals to get rid of any picks for Patterson, especially for just one year of use.

They need to see if Alford can contribute as a returner this year. If not, Tate hits FA (again) next year and the Bengals could bring in Patterson without losing any picks.
KR becomes less of a priority now anyway with touchbacks starting at the 25. I don't expect every KO to be kicked to the just before the goal line such that a KR always happens either.

The bigger need is to find a stud PR outside of Adam Jones.
Tyler Boyd has done both KR and PR, averaging 24.4 YPKR and 8.8 YPPR.
Frankie Williams (UDFA) has done bone KR and (primarily) PR, averaging 23 YPKR and 10.6 YPPR.
Alford was practically only a KR (26.3 avg) but did have 3 PR for -13 yards. IIRC, the Bengals didn't want to use him as a returner last year because he needed work as a PR.
Patterson has been a stud as a KR, but done 0 PRs in the NFL and just 4 in college (101 yds and a TD), so he MIGHT be able to be a very good PR in the NFL.