Stevan Ridley Signs with the New York Jets
Free Agent Runningback Stevan Ridley signed a free agent contract with the New York Jets Wednesday night, according to multiple reports. The contract details have not yet been released.
Former Pats RB Stevan Ridley has agreed to terms with the Jets, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 8, 2015
New #Jets RB Stevan Ridley had offers from #Redskins & #Dolphins, among others. 1 reason for his call: Opportunity in Chan Gailey’s offense
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 8, 2015
Ridley, who spent all of his four-year career with the New England Patriots, fills a great need for the Jets at the runningback position. After the tumultuous tenure of Chris Johnson ended, the team needed to fill a hole at the position. New York already has former New Orleans Saint Chris Ivory, but there was room to add the talent. With the league moving towards a dual-runningback scheme philosophy, the addition of Ridley should help not just himself, but Ivory stay healthy and consistent.
In his four seasons in New England, Ridley had 649 carries, while rushing for 2,817 yards and 22 touchdowns. Ridley has experience working in a dual runningback system from his time in New England, so working with Ivory shouldn’t be an issue from that stand point.
The 26-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL in October, thus ending his time with the Patriots. He won one Super Bowl with the team, which came last season against the Seattle Seahawks. Ridley also has a concussion history
Entering the draft, the Jets were among several teams analysts looked at for taking a runningback early. Some thought the team could reach for Georgia Runningback Todd Gurley early in the draft, but this move allows the team to focus on their other needs, such as a pass rusher or an offensive guard.