NFL
Saints Sign Shane Vereen, Cut Daniel Lasco
The New Orleans Saints announced the signing of Shane Vereen – and release of Daniel Lasco – Wednesday afternoon.
Lasco, previously on injury reserve, was cut by the Saints following a failed physical — vacating a roster spot for Vereen.
Vereen, 29, joins the Saints after three seasons with the New York Giants. After failing to reach the end zone last season – a career first for Vereen – he will surely look to re-establish himself in New Orleans.
Vereen is the newest addition to a Saints backfield featuring Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram Jr., and Terrance West. While Kamara is the obvious first choice back, head coach Sean Peyton will be looking to the bench to share the workload. During Ingram’s four-game suspension, Vereen would be unlikely to receive more playing time — with West tapped as Ingram’s replacement. This wouldn’t be bad news for Vereen, however, with the workload also unlikely to decrease upon Ingram’s return.
Vereen, like Kamara, is a dual-threat back with more receiving than rushing yards. Despite going scoreless in 2017, Vereen still managed 44 receptions, avoided injury, and started every game of the season.
Stiff Competition
What remains to be seen is how Vereen would fit in with the established tandem of Kamara and Ingram. Last season, the Saints duo posted 1,500 yards each on their way to earning respective spots in the Pro Bowl. Both achievements were NFL firsts for a backfield pairing. As Vereen failed to reach the end zone, Kamara – his duel-threat peer – reached it from the air and ground more than any rookie since Gale Sayers in 1965. Kamara’s 106-yard kick return touchdown in Week 17 – one play – accounted for more scoring and over half the total rushing yards Vereen produced starting every game of the season.
Vereen could still have value, of course, as the Saints look to ease the workload of their backfield stars. Nonetheless, Vereen faces fierce competition for a rotation role and no guarantees of making the regular season roster. With Trey Edmunds, Jonathan Williams, and rookie Boston Scott all fighting for the same roster spot, Vereen has to stand out in training to make the cut. For Vereen, once a Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, it is a chance to prove himself again.
