Former Patriot Stevan Ridley Signs With The New York Jets

The New York Jets have just taken another player from the New England Patriots through free agency. After signing Darrelle Revis to a massive contract, they have signed former Pats running back Stevan Ridley to a one-year contract for an undisclosed amount.

Ridley played in six games — started five — for the Pats before tearing both his ACL and MCL during the October divisional game against the Buffalo Bills. The AFC East leader would later pick up LeGarrette Blount, who became a workhorse for the team during their Super Bowl run.

Unfortunately for Ridley, he was going into a free agent year and needed to perform in order to get the cash bump. Before the injury, he had 340 yards, two touchdowns and 3.6 YPC. But his best year came in 2012, when he put up 1,263 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns and 4.4 YPC. Since then, his numbers have decreased significantly.

Ridley also visited the Miami Dolphins and Washington, but it was the Jets who gave him the offer. By signing him, the Jets added depth to their backfield after getting rid of Chris Johnson. He will likely run behind Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell, unless he proves himself in training camp.

Still, the running back will always remember where he came from, as he posted a farewell message to Pats nation on his Instagram account. “Sending love to all my day one fans, and every teammate I’ve had the pleasure to take the field with,” Ridley wrote. “We all know it’s a business, yet it’s also a blessing. So either way you see it, you’ll never understand. Love New England, love my former teammates, and I’m truly thankful for the opportunity the Patriot’s organization has blessed me with. However it’s #ontotheJETS.”

With the departure of Ridley and Shane Vereen as well as the lack of depth in the backfield with the one-game suspension of LeGarrette Blount, Bill Belichick needs to pick up a running back in 2015’s NFL Draft.