Continuing their focus on the restricted free-agent market highlighted earlier Tuesday, the New England Patriots signed pass-catching running back Travaris Cadet.
A four-year veteran, Cadet broke into the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State in 2012 with the Saints. He was a restricted free agent this offseason and the Saints didn't tender him a contract, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Cadet had 38 catches last season in limited action. He also has experience as a kickoff returner and playing in the Saints' hurry-up offense.
Cadet has played in 41 career games (one start) and has 11 rushing attempts for 37 yards and 45 catches for 345 yards and two touchdowns. He scored his first career touchdown against the Patriots on Oct. 13, 2013.
With Cadet, the Patriots add another option to their roster as they consider possibilities to replace Shane Vereen, who played 52.9 percent of the offensive snaps last season and signed with the Giants in free agency. James White, a 2014 fourth-round draft pick out of Wisconsin, is a top in-house candidate to take over Vereen's role, while four-year veteran Dion Lewis is also in the mix.
Pass protection is a critical aspect of that role in the Patriots' offense.