Fansided

Shane Vereen: ‘Joining Giants, if anything, is a step up’

By Vinnie Criscenzo

Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen (34) runs the ball against the New York Jets during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Shane Vereen (34) runs the ball against the New York Jets during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Newly signed New York Giants running back Shane Vereen says that joining the Giants from the New England Patriots is, if anything, ‘a step up.’

Newly acquired New York Giants running back Shane Vereen had some high praise for his new team.

The 26-year old running back has spent his entire four-year career with the New England Patriots. Since becoming a regular in the Patriots offense in 2011-12, Vereen has compiled 850 rushing yards on 202 attempts with 6 touchdowns. However, Vereen makes his money with his receiving abilities, where he has compiled 107 receptions on 159 targets for 1,023 yards and 7 touchdowns.

According to NESN, Vereen told Giants.com, that he believes that joining the Giants from the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots is not a step down, but just the opposite.

"This is not a step down. If anything, it’s a step up. I’m looking forward to the opportunity, and I’m enjoying being in New York.”"

More from New York Giants

In 2013-14, Vereen notched career highs in carries (96), rushing yards (391), targets (77), receptions (52) and receiving yards (447) as he helped the Patriots win their fourth Super Bowl Championship in franchise history. He also had a career high 5 total touchdowns (2 rushing, 3 receiving) in 2013-14.

Vereen said the decision to leave the Patriots and move south to the Giants was a decision for his family.

After being in New England, Vereen is no stranger to having a backfield by committee. That is, most likely, what he will be working with again with the New York Giants. He will be joining the likes of Rashad Jennings and second-year running back Andre Williams. Rushing attempts may be hard to come by, but Vereen will certainly get his looks on passing downs, as quarterback Eli Manning will be very happy to have a good receiving option out of the backfield.

Vereen is one of a few signings the Giants have made so far this free agency period. They also signed wide receiver/return specialist Dwayne Harris, linebackers J.T. Thomas III and former Patriots teammate Jonathan Casillas, and offensive tackle Marshall Newhouse. The Giants also resigned fullback Henry Hynoski and linebacker Mark Herzlich.

After virtually having just one target all season in Victor Cruz, before he was injured and out for the season, and then Odell Beckham Jr. for the rest of the 2013-14 season, Eli Manning will certainly have more weapons at his disposal next season.

[H/T: Pro Football Talk]

More from FanSided

Home/New York Giants