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

Despite at least one team being in desperate need of a running back, Ray Rice more than likely won't get another chance in the NFL in the near future.

Continue for updates.

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King: 'At Least' One Team Interested in Rice

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Peter King of MMQB.com passed along what he was hearing regarding interest in Rice during an appearance on the Simms & Lefkoe Podcast:

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NFL Would Support Rice Comeback

Sunday, Oct. 18

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported "Rice continues to quickly make strides and earn respect from the league office for his actions following his arrest" on domestic violence charges. He added:

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While Rice has yet to get an invitation to even work out for an NFL team, sources said he retains strong support within the NFL's football operations department for a second chance, and if given the opportunity, VP of football operations Troy Vincent would indicate as much to an interested team.

Vincent would not be in a position to call clubs on Rice's behalf, but the league has been impressed with how Rice has conducted himself as well as his dedication to counseling and outreach and would stand behind him if given an opportunity to play in the NFL again, sources said. The NFL has closely monitored Rice and has remained in regular contact with him, and he has impressed league brass with how he has responded to what's been asked of him in the aftermath of striking his then-fiancee in a casino elevator.

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Chiefs Among Teams Not Weighing Rice Addition

Monday, Oct. 12

Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post reported Oct. 12 that Rice has not received an invitation to work out for an NFL team, despite what Wilson calls "back-channel interest" from teams for his services.

Many have wondered whether the Kansas City Chiefs would consider signing Rice after Jamaal Charles exited their Oct. 11 game against the Chicago Bears. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Charles tore his ACL, which is a massive blow to the Chiefs offense.

Former NFL fullback Vonta Leach is among those surprised Kansas City has not called on the 28-year-old Rice to replace Charles:    

Of course, any team that signs Rice would have to deal with some level of backlash given his past. Then again, Greg Hardy's conviction for assault didn't preclude him from signing with the Dallas Cowboys.

While Rice's domestic violence incident surely plays on the minds of general managers throughout the league, so too does the fact he averaged 3.1 yards a carry in his final season with the Baltimore Ravens.

This season may mark the last time Rice has an opportunity to return to the NFL. He's nearing his 29th birthday, and the fact that he has spent nearly two full years away from the game will likely do little to entice teams to take a chance on him in the future.