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.
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."
New England Patriots
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.