Thursday 9 April 2015 15:16, UK
The New York Jets have bolstered their offensive options by signing free agent running back Stevan Ridley on a one-year deal.
Ridley played in only six games last year and rushed for 340 yards and two touchdowns before tearing his right ACL.
His most productive season came in 2012 when he rushed 1,263 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.
The 26-year-old, who was drafted in the third round of the 2011 draft, was primarily used on first and second downs during his four seasons in New England and caught only 23 passes in the 52 games in which he appeared.
The running back issued a statement on Wednesday night on Instagram, thanking the Patriots and their fans.
"Sending love to all my day one fans, and every team-mate I've had the pleasure to take the field with," Ridley posted.
"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 team-mates and I'm truly thankful for the opportunity the Patriots organisation has blessed me with. However it's #ontotheJETS."
Only five months removed from major knee surgery, Ridley visited the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins before electing to sign with the Jets.
The former LSU running back becomes the latest big-name free agent to land with the Jets, who have been busy in free agency under new coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan.
Ridley will compete for carries with Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell in the Jets' backfield. The team released Chris Johnson in the off-season.
