NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the Jets are signing running back Stevan Ridley to a one-year deal, according to a source close to the situation. Ridley joins the Jets after spending his first four seasons in New England.
Ridley joins a Jets backfield that includes Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell. Ridley's final season with the Patriots ended in October after he tore his ACL and MCL. An opportunity to play in Chan Gailey's offense was a contributing reason to Ridley's decision to choose the Jets, the story said. As the story also points out, Ridley is an established power back who does his best work between the tackles. The same skill-set can be attributed to Ivory, who might find himself on shaky footing under a new regime in New York. The Jets could still use a home-run hitter type back -- if they grab one in the draft, Ivory might be the odd-man out. Of course, Ridley has had ball-security issues throughout his career but has proved to be an effective fantasy back, and certainly has some potential with the Jets, but will likely have his value capped by the other Jet backs.