Shane Vereen

Initially a second-round pick in 2011, Vereen split his NFL career between the Patriots and Giants. He was last on the Saints’ practice squad in 2019, and has been out of the NFL since then. Vereen is best known for his Super Bowl XLIX performance with the Pats, totaling 11 receptions for 64 yards en route to a ring. Through seven seasons, Vereen ended with 107 receptions for 1,023 yards and seven touchdowns, adding 217 carries for 907 yards and seven touchdowns. DeMeco Ryans now adds the former running back to his Texans staff as a player personnel assistant.

The Saints have been looking at veteran running backs ever since the announcement of Mark Ingram's four-game suspension, previously showing interest in the likes of DeMarco Murray and Jamaal Charles. The team ultimately settled on Terrance West and now Vereen, a pass-catching specialist who averaged just 3.6 yards on 45 carries and 5.8 yards on 44 receptions for the Giants last season. The Saints likely will give Alvin Kamara more work on early downs while Ingram serves his suspension, potentially opening up a few snaps for Vereen in obvious passing situations. The 29-year-old will first need to earn a spot on the 53-man roster, competing with West, Boston Scott, Trey Edmunds, Jonathan Williams and Daniel Lasco (neck) for what likely will be two or three jobs.

Vereen's role had shrunk the last few games, but he saw more snaps Sunday and got back involved as a pass catcher. As a third-down back, his ceiling is limited, especially in this offense.