Former Patriots RB Stevan Ridley joins Lions

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The list of former Patriots who will be residing in Detroit next season grew a little longer on Friday.

Free-agent running back Stevan Ridley announced on his Instagram page that he has agreed to terms on a new contract with the Lions. Per NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, it's a one-year deal. 

View this post on Instagram

New York I hate that I couldn't do more for you this past year, but the opportunity y'all gave me after my injury to do what I love the most.. I can never put a price on. The relationships I've gained with my brothers in New York, as well as developing a sense of true patience will take me much further beyond the game of football. Coach Bowles you truly are a leader of men. The Jets Organization is on the up and coming, and I wish you guys nothing but the best. John Mellody and the Jets training staff were an absolute blessing as well. A1 and arguably the best out there! To the Organization and city of NEW YORK I truly thank you for all the love. But now it's on to Detroit for me! I can't be happier for another shot to tote this pill and showcase the gifts I've been truly blessed with! Detroit, I've got a suprise for you this year, I promise. I'm ready to get to work with my new family, so April 18th can't come soon enough! Lets eat fellas, and this year we want the whole plate!! #longliveKiDRiD #onlyGOD

A post shared by KiD-RiD (@stevanridley) on Apr 1, 2016 at 10:28am PDT

There will be plenty of familiar faces awaiting Ridley in Detroit. Lions first-year general manager Bob Quinn was the assitant direct of pro personnel in New England in 2011 when the Patriots drafted Ridley in the third round. Quinn then served as the head of pro scouting in Ridley's last three years with the Patriots.

This offseason, the Lions hired former Patriots head strength and conditioning coach Harold Nash to serve in the same role in Detroit. The Lions also signed for Patriots safety Tavon Wilson earlier this offseason.

"I can’t be happier for another shot to tote this pill and showcase the gifts I’ve been truly blessed with!" Ridley wrote on Instagram. “Detroit, I’ve got a suprise [sic] for you this year, I promise."

Ridley signed with the Jets before the start of the 2015 season. He carried 36 times for 90 yards in New York in his first season back on the field after suffering a season-ending ACL injury in Week 6 of 2014.

 

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