The Indianapolis Colts have signed free-agent running back Stevan Ridley, the team announced Sunday.

Ridley initially joined the Detroit Lions earlier this offseason after a disappointing lone season with the New York Jets, but a crowded backfield situation left him as the odd man out.

He should immediately step into a depth role behind starter Frank Gore, providing the Colts with some rotational value and a back who's flashed the ability to carry the load for an extended stretch.

The most productive year of an up-and-down four-year stint with the New England Patriots came in 2012, where he took 290 carries for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns.