Stevan Ridley Won't Solve Jets Run Game but Will Help Bolster New Offense

The New York Jets' signing of Stevan Ridley may seem redundant, but the former New England Patriots running back should provide low-risk, high-upside depth for a New York offense that has added plenty of new pieces this offseason. 

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Ridley picked the Jets over the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins on Wednesday, likely with hopes that one year within new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey's offense can help re-establish his value for a run at a more lucrative deal next spring. 

Ridley now joins a number of new additions for the Jets this offseason, including cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, receiver Brandon Marshall and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. 

New York will hope he can add something to the club's revival under first-year new head coach Todd Bowles. 

A 1,200-yard rusher in New England in 2012, Ridley found himself in the dog house due to fumbles in 2013 and on the sidelines just six games into last season due to a torn ACL. He still generated some interest late in free agency, but a tough market and a loaded incoming class of running backs likely contributed to Ridley settling for a one-year deal in an offense with a crowded situation at the position. 

There appears to be little downside in the Jets giving Ridley a chance to rebuild his career in New York. 

While the Jets already possess a similar between-the-tackles power runner in Chris Ivory, Gailey's run-based offense probably requires a dual-thronged approach at the position. It's possible the Jets will move to cut ties with Ivory, a holdover from the previous management structure. Or New York can keep both and employ a downhill run game with two accomplished inside runners. 

When healthy, Ridley has proved capable of being a difference-maker. 

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

	Team	G	Att.	Yards	Avg.	TD
2011	NE	16	87	441	5.1	1
2012	NE	16	290	1,263	4.4	12
2013	NE	14	178	773	4.3	7
2014	NE	6	94	340	3.6	2
Totals	-	52	649	2,817	4.3	22

He broke out during his second NFL season, rushing for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns as the Patriots' lead back in 2012. Ridley played in 14 games but made just six starts a year later, in large part due to his four lost fumbles. He has since been labeled as prone to fumbling, even if he did not fumble over 98 total touches last season. 

The problem is likely overblown. Over the last three seasons, Ridley ranks just 15th among NFL running backs in total fumbles. Ball security is always an issue for a running back, but fumbles happen. Ridley was unfortunate to lose six of his eight, and New England's harsh reaction to the issue exacerbated the problem on a bigger stage. 

More concerning for the Jets is Ridley's recovery from ACL surgery. 

The 26-year-old back suffered the injury in Week 6 of last season. He underwent surgery in mid-November, giving him a recovery timeline that still might clash with the start of training camp. ACL reconstructions are no longer career-ending issues, but there's always a question about whether or not a player will come back and be the same player post-operation and rehab. There's also a chance he'll need to be eased into the 2015 season. 

Mike Groll/Associated Press

The Jets will have a free-agent steal if Ridley can return healthy and be something close to his 2012 self. 

That season, the former third-round pick delivered four 100-yard games and scored touchdowns in 10 of 16 games. He also averaged 4.4 yards per carry, and the Patriots went 7-0 when he rushed for 80 or more yards. Ridley looked like a rising star. 

But things change quickly in the ever-shifting NFL landscape. Ridley might just need the change of scenery. 

One year in the Jets offense might help. 

	Att.	Yards	Avg.	TD
C. Ivory	198	871	4.1	6
C. Johnson*	155	663	4.3	1
B. Powell	33	141	4.3	1
P. Harvin*	22	110	5.0	0
J. Kerley	4	86	21.5	0

New York rushed for 2,280 yards last season, good for third most in the NFL. Ivory led the team with 821 yards over 198 carries. However, Chris Johnson has since departed, and his 155 rushes from a year ago should now be available for Ridley. 

Gailey will likely employ a more spread look, which might better fit Ridley over Ivory. Neither has blazing wheels or great pass-catching ability, but Ridley is coming from a more modern and open system in New England. Bilal Powell was re-signed to be the team's third-down option. 

At the very least, the Jets look more talented on offense today than they did to end last season. 

Much still revolves around the quarterback position, but New York could do worse than Ridley, Ivory, Marshall, receiver Eric Decker and tight end Jace Amaro around Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith or a draft pick at quarterback. Gailey's offense also figures to get more out of the skill positions than previous systems in New York. 

Ridley and Ivory might be redundant runners, but there's nothing wrong with stockpiling talent. The decision to add a back such as Ridley is even more attractive for the Jets given the balance of risk and reward in the one-year deal. 

And it's a win-win situation for both parties.

New York gets an accomplished back for an offense that appears to be trending up, while Ridley receives an opportunity to prove he's healthy and capable of past production. The union might not work out that perfectly, but this deal is almost all upside. 

Zach Kruse covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. 

Follow @zachkruse2