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Running back Bobby Rainey signs with New York Giants

Ex-Tampa Bay Bucs back joins seemingly crowded backfield.

Bobby Rainey
Bobby Rainey
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Forget the Masters golf tournament, this is turning into an interesting Sunday for the New York Giants. Hours after linebacker Kelvin Sheppard announced via social media that he will be joining the Giants, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bobby Rainey has made a similar announcement via Instagram.

Rainey, 28, is a four-year veteran. He had only five rushing attempts for 18 yards last season while playing behind Doug Martin, but has 990 yards on 249 carries (4.0 yards per carry in his career. The 5-foot-8, 205-pound Rainey has played for the Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens.

The Giants already have four capable backs in Rashad Jennings, Shane Vereen, Andre Williams, and Orleans Darkwa. Rainey has also returned 32 kickoffs for a 24.7 yards per return average in his career.

As Pat Traina pointed out on Twitter, current Giants offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan was offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay in 2013. In nine games for the Bucs that year, Rainey gained 532 yards on 137 carries (3.9 yards per carry), and also caught 11 passes. Rainey also returned punts in 2015, averaging 9.9 yards on 29 returns. He was awful with ball security while returning punts, though, fumbling seven times.

What this means for the roster remains to be seen, but it is an interesting move.