Ray Rice: Latest News, Rumors and Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent RB

Running back Ray Rice hasn't played a down in the NFL since being released by the Baltimore Ravens last season, but a recent report suggests that could soon change.  

Continue for updates.

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Teams Reportedly Expressing "Legitimate Interest" in Rice

Tuesday, April 28

Rice was once one of the NFL's premier running backs, but after video emerged of him striking his then-fiance in an Atlantic City, New Jersey, casino elevator, he became damaged goods in the eyes of NFL organizations.

Despite that, the 28-year-old running back may not be a free agent for long. According to TMZ, sources are reporting that teams have shown "legitimate interest" in signing Rice. In fact, an anonymous agent went so far as to guarantee that Rice will be back in the NFL.

When asked about his NFL future in February, Rice was confident that he would catch on somewhere as well, per Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun:

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I'm optimistic that I'll get a second chance. I don't think this boils down to whether I can play football or not. Obviously I know that. I just think there's so much more that comes with it. I know the PR side of it will be tough. I understand that. I just know that if a team that really truly genuinely looks at me and understood that this guy made a horrible mistake then they can structure a plan for me. I don't like to be singled out, I like to be part of the team, if they can understand that I'll do anything to help the situation and go out and give them the best football I got, I think I'll get a second chance.

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Not only will a team have to deal with possible public backlash if it signs him due to character concerns, but it is also unclear if he can still play at a high level.

Rice averaged just over three yards per carry in 2013, and he is getting closer to the age of 30, which is generally when NFL running backs hit the wall.

There is no doubt that Rice is talented and has a history of success, but franchises will have plenty to consider before bringing him in.

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