Patriots 2015 Free Agent Profile – Stevan Ridley
 The Patriots have a big decision to make on whether or not to re-sign RB Stevan Ridley in 2015. (USA TODAY Images) |
Stevan Ridley entered 2014 as the Patriots only true established power back and one with something to prove. He had the specter of fumbling issues from 2013 that put him on the bench for a time. But he met the challenges head on, addressed them openly with the media and was poised to have a solid season in 2014. But those plans fell apart with a blown ACL/MCL suffered against Buffalo in Week 6 and he was lost for the season.
Ridley was drafted in the 3rd Round (73rd overall), from LSU in the 2011 NFL Draft. And after a stellar sophomore season in 2012 when he rushed for 1263 yards and 12 touchdowns, he seemed destined to be the Patriots lead back for many years to come.
But the 2013 season was a tough one not only for the team but for Ridley as well. His production dipped to 773 yards and he found himself benched due to fumbling issues. But it should be noted that he fumbled three times in 178 carries, however the fumbles were at key points during games and Ridley was supplanted as the lead back by LaGarrette Blount.
But things for Ridley turned around, Blount moved on via free agency to Pittsburgh. He persevered thru rumors he would be cut in training camp and had a good training camp. Ridley was once again the lead back, leading a group effort that included Shane Vereen, rookie James White and Jonas Gray. A piece I wrote about Ridley remaining the Patriots best option in the running game can be read here:
Until the time of his injury Ridley carried 94 times for 340 yards for 3.6 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns. He also caught 4 passes for 20 yards. But most importantly, he didn’t fumble in 98 touches before going down in Buffalo.
For the season, Ridley’s 3.6 yards per carry was over a yard below Blount’s 4.7 but it should be taken into consideration, the Patriots offensive line struggled thru the season’s first four games as the unit was searching for the right combination. Once they settled on that, the pass blocking and run blocking improved.
In his last full game before being injured, Ridley rushed 27 times for 113 yards, 4.2 ypa and a touchdown against Cincinnati. Once he went down with an injury the team used a true running back by committee approach and once Blount was released by the Steelers, Bill Belichick scooped him right up and he was solid down the stretch.
Now with the team facing a decision on whether or not to re-sign him in 2015, the biggest question isn’t how much money will it take to retain him in Foxboro but, will he be able to regain his burst at the point of attack and be the same runner he was prior to getting hurt.
Why Ridley Will Return: Providing he’s healthy this season, Ridley’s injury may scare away prospective suitors and point to a return to the Patriots in 2015. Although he was hurt, he remained close to his teammates during his rehab and the Super Bowl run as Chris Price from WEEI pointed out here:
Ridley has a better burst at the point of attack than Blount and can hit the holes quicker than Blount, something that could have been used against the aggressive Seattle defense in Super Bowl XLIX. He’s already very familiar with the Patriots offense and he has the experience within Josh McDaniels’ game planning. There wouldn’t be the learning factor that a new back would have to adapt to.
The experience factor of having Ridley return would also help, the Patriots running back stable right now consists of Blount, Brandon Bolden, James White, and Tyler Gaffney. Jonas Gray who had a brief shining moment in Indianapolis and then was banished to the Siberian gulags by Bill Belichick after being late to practice and then took to Twitter to complain about it. Bolden plays mostly special teams and White had a red-shirt type season in 2014.
With an improved offensive line in 2015, the running game with the tandem of Blount and Ridley would be an impressive 1-2 punch with White providing the third down pass catching ability if Shane Vereen doesn’t return.
He shouldn’t break the bank either as the team could sign him with a one-year, prove-it type deal for a team friendly deal to allow him to return to form this season
Why Ridley Won’t Return: Unfortunately, questions now must be answered if Ridley will still have the burst to hit the holes that he did prior to his injury. And while he does (at least prior to getting hurt), have better burst off the line, Blount possesses much better breakaway ability once he reaches the second level.
It is no secret that Belichick really likes Blount and has confidence in him to carry the ball in any situation. In the last five games of the season, Blount rushed for 281 yards, averaged 4.7 yards per carry and had a monster game against Indy in the AFC championship game.
The Patriots have depth with big, physical running backs with Blount, Gray, Bolden and Gaffney and may decide that trying to split the workload of adding Ridley to the mix wouldn’t be in the best interests of the team.
While it wouldn’t be a shocker to see Ridley return to New England in 2015 for a one year prove-it type deal, I think the chances are, he’s playing elsewhere this season. The Patriots will be probably dip into the 2015 NFL Draft and try to find some young talent to build the depth of the running back position.
Look for another team to give him a one or two year deal that will pay him more than the Patriots would be willing to regardless.
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