While most of the focus has been on Adrian Peterson this NFL offseason, Ray Rice is still sitting on the free agent market, capable of being picked up. The disgraced running back has not been heard from much and after month of the official start of the 2015 NFL season, no team has emerged as candidates to sign the former Baltimore Raven. However, the Detroit Lions popped up on the radar leaving head coach Jim Caldwell to deny the idea.
According to Caldwell, the Lions will not be signing Rice. While speaking at the NFL Annual Meeting, the coach made it clear that Rice was not an option saying, "I do not foresee that, to be plain and simple. There has to be a need and a fit in all areas. At this point in time, he's not a fit for us." (via ESPN)
The Lions, like everyone else, likely do not want to take on the baggage that Rice comes with. Signing the running back is a risk no one is looking to take on no matter how cheap he might sign for. At 28, Rice has plenty of years left in the league, but the issues of the past season could be ending his career early.
Detroit does have a need at the running back position. If Matthew Stafford is going to succeed this upcoming season, a balanced offense will be key. The Lions released Reggie Bush due to his high salary and injury history. For now they will rely on Joique Bell who proved capable of handling more responsibility and Theo Riddick who came on late last year. However, those two backs will not be enough for Detroit and they need to make a move.
Trades for players like Adrian Peterson and Matt Forte are unlikely. The Lions do not have the cap space to take on either player despite letting Ndamukong Suh walk away. According to NFL.com, Detroit will look to the draft to fill the hole at running back. The team was at the Pro Day of Todd Gurley. They could also eye TJ Yeldon or Melvin Gordon as potential rotational backs as well.
