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

Tim DanielsJul 24, 2015

Ray Rice is seeking another opportunity in the NFL after missing the entire 2014 season and has "drawn back-channel interest from NFL teams," according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. The Baltimore Ravens released the running back in September for a domestic-violence incident, and he never got signed despite being reinstated in November following an appeal.

Ed Werder of ESPN spoke to an NFL general manager who said Rice's previous performances are also a factoring into decisions to stay away from Rice, saying "The (game) tape isn't good enough to get excited about. Not like Greg Hardy who can still change a game."

Bills Not Interested in Rice

Wednesday, Aug. 19

Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News reported there was "nothing happening" between Rice and the Bills, after Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo reported the Bills had "begun internal discussions on whether to explore signing Ray Rice." The team was believed to be in the market for a veteran running back after star LeSean McCoy went down with a hamstring injury.

Browns, Texans Not Considering Rice

Thursday, Aug. 11

While the Browns have multiple running backs banged up, they will not pursue Rice, according to Tom Reed of Cleveland.com. Head coach Mike Pettine said the team has discussed Rice, but isn't "at that point," via Pro Football Talk.

Despite Arian Foster suffering a groin injury in practice, Wilson reported the Texans are also not expected to sign Rice.

"Texans owner Robert McNair isn't expected to approve a pursuit of Rice following star running back Arian Foster's groin injury that's likely to require surgery and sideline him for at least a portion of the regular season, according to sources," Wilson wrote.

Cowboys Not Interested in Rice; Supporters Calling Teams to Facilitate Comeback

Tuesday, July 28

Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the Cowboys won't be pursuing Rice in free agency.

On July 24, Werder reported that Rice, along with Greg Schiano, his coach at Rutgers and a former NFL head coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and other supporters are reaching out to league contacts. They want him to get a chance to prove himself like Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy did.

He's trying to show he warrants the leap of faith from a franchise, per Werder:

"
Rice, 28, has relocated from the Baltimore area to Connecticut and has been working out daily to be in shape for a chance he might never be provided. Rice is not motivated by money since he made $25 million in his final 18 months with the Ravens and at the very least wants the opportunity to stand in front of an NFL owner or head coach and make his case for a chance to compete for a roster spot, one source said.
"

Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reported teams are interested but owners are reluctant to sign off on him.

The problem for the veteran back is twofold.

First, the video from the incident that showed him striking then-fiancee and current wife Janay Palmer is still etched firmly into the minds of many. Any team that's thinking about signing him understands there would be immediate public backlash.

Then there's the football side of things. Once one of the most dynamic dual-threat running backs in the league, the most recent game tape of Rice from the 2013 season shows a player who lacked the necessary quickness and elusiveness to make an impact in the NFL.

After averaging at least four yards per carry each of his first five years in the league, he dropped to a dismal 3.1 average in 2013.

If teams believed Rice could still make an impact on the same level he did his first five seasons, his chances of getting a job for training camp would be higher. That doesn't mean it's right, but that's just the way things work in a results-driven business.

Alas, when you combine the off-field issues with his declining production, the upside of giving him that opportunity he covets is low. That's why nobody signed him during the stretch run of last season and why he remains a free agent now.

Calling around hoping to find one front office at least willing to listen to his pitch can't hurt. It would still be a surprise if he signs, though.