Vereen: Going From The Patriots To The Giants Is A Personal 'Step Up'
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Giants' biggest splash of the free-agent period thus far has been the signing of running back Shane Vereen.
The 26-year-old -- who signed a three-year deal for slightly more than $12 million -- spent the last four seasons with the Patriots, and is fresh off winning a Super Bowl ring.
But if you think Vereen is disappointed to leave Belichick, Brady and the reigning champs for the Big Apple, think again.
"It's just a decision for my family," Vereen told the Giants' official website on Wednesday. "At the end of the day, I wanted to make a decision that was right for us, right for them. This is a great organization. I was fortunate enough to play in New England with another great organization, and this is no slouch. 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."
Vereen later clarified his initial remarks further, just to make sure that Patriot Nation didn't think he was insulting them or their team.
Vereen joins running backs Michael Cox, Orleans Darkwa, Rashad Jennings, Nikita Whitlock, Chris Ogbonnaya and Andre Williams on the Giants' roster.
Vereen is a dual threat who can run and catch passes out of the backfield. Last season in New England he rushed for 391 yards on 96 carries and scored two touchdowns on the ground. He also had 52 receptions for 447 yards and added three more scores.
