The New Orleans Saints are adding another body to their backfield as they brace for Mark Ingram’s absence for the first four games of the regular season.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Saints are set to sign veteran running back Shane Vereen ahead of training camp, which begins next week.
Vereen, 28, had spent the last three seasons with the New York Giants after playing his first four years in the league with the New England Patriots. He had 417 total yards from scrimmage on 89 touches in 16 games last year as he returned from a triceps injury which limited him to just five games in 2016.
After the Saints claimed they wouldn’t sign a veteran running back in the aftermath of losing Ingram to his PED suspension, Vereen becomes the second veteran running back they have signed. They had signed Terrance West last month with the hope of taking the pressure off second-year running back Alvin Kamara in Ingram’s absence. They also asked recently-retired DeMarco Murray to come in for a workout, but he declined.
Apart from Kamara, West, and Vereen, the Saints also have Boston Scott, Trey Edmunds, Daniel Lasco and Jonathan Williams on the running back depth chart.
Vereen is predominantly a receiving back. He has 221 receptions and 1,865 receiving yards in his seven-year career compared to just 1,489 rushing yards on 356 carries. The Saints offense has historically utilized receiving backs like Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, and Kamara, so Vereen could have a chance to thrive in Sean Payton’s system.
Follow Us
Subscribe