Future is Murky for New England Patriots’ Stevan Ridley
By Connor Fulton
@ConnorFultonRS
Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Entering the 2014 season, Stevan Ridley occupied the top spot on the New England Patriots’ running back depth chart. But nearly 11 weeks after suffering a brutal injury that tore both his ACL and MCL in Week 6, the future of Ridley as a Patriot is unclear.
The rise of Jonas Gray and return of LeGarrette Blount to the Patriots’ backfield has made Ridley expendable as he enters free agency in 2015. It’s unlikely that the Patriots would empty the wallet for Ridley this offseason, as they already boast a stable of solid running backs.
However, since joining the Patriots in 2011, Ridley has been the team’s best pure runner with his slicing, powerful style of ball carrying. In the 2012 season, Ridley showed he has the ability to be the feature back of an NFL offense when he ran for 1,263 yards and scored 12 touchdowns.
Of course, ball security has plagued Ridley throughout his career. That being said, the fact that the turnover-hating Bill Belichick didn’t cut or trade Ridley in the midst of those fumble issues speaks volumes about what the legendary coach thinks of Ridley.
I, for one, have always been a big Ridley fan. It would be tough to see him sport a different-colored jersey, but that could very well happen considering the number of free agents the Patriots will have to make decisions about this offseason. There are several teams out there that could use a proven back like Ridley (cough, Tennessee Titans), and would be willing to pay for it.
One thing is concrete: Patriots players think highly of their sidelined teammate. Brandon LaFell and Shane Vereen are some of the players that keep in touch with Ridley on a regular basis. If the Pats do let Ridley go this offseason, it surely won’t be an easy decision.
Connor Fulton is a Patriots writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @ConnorFultonRS, or find him on Google.
Lions vs. Cowboys: Wild Card Preview
Previewing the Wild Card matchup between the Lions and Cowboys. Read More
No Future for Doug Marrone in Buffalo
Doug Marrone booked a one-way flight out of Western New York on Wednesday. Read More
Ravens vs. Steelers: Wild Card Preview
Previewing the Wild Card matchup between the Ravens and Steelers. Read More
Bengals vs. Colts: Wild Card Preview
Previewing the Wild Card matchup between the Bengals and Colts. Read More
Cardinals vs. Panthers: Wild Card Preview
Previewing the Wild Card matchup between the Cardinals and Panthers. Read More
5 49ers Who May Not Return Next Season
The San Francisco 49ers season ended without a playoff run. Changes will be made and here are five players that may find themselves on other teams in 2015. Read More
Marrone Jumps Ship, Opts Out of Bills Contract
A three-day window opened for Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone to jump ship, and he took used it. Read More
5 Bold Predictions For Bengals vs. Colts
The Bengals and Colts met in Week 7. They will now play again in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. What are five bold predictions for this matchup? Read More
5 Predictions For Cardinals vs. Panthers Wild Card
Here are five bold predictions for the Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers in the NFC Wild Card playoff. Read More
5 Things San Diego Chargers Must Improve On
The San Diego Chargers just missed making the playoffs for the second straight year, but finished at 9-7. Here are some things they can do to improve. Read More
Predicting the Final Score of Lions vs. Cowboys
The Lions and Cowboys will both try to end recent playoff droughts when they play each other this Sunday. Read More
What Each AFC Playoff Team Must Do to Win
Let's take a look at what each AFC Playoff team must do to come away from the Wild Card Round with a win. Read More