Ray Rice can officially play in the NFL again, but will he? The running back won his appeal and was reinstated back into the league, but remains without a team. According to the former Baltimore Ravens running back, he has maintained his game shape and could easily step onto the field immediately, but no team is taking interest and might not until 2015.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Rice has garnered some interest from teams, but is not expected to sign anywhere until 2015. Rapoport writes that a "handful of teams" have already shown interest, but only a playoff-contending team will take the risk in signing him.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints were two of the teams showing interest in Rice. The Colts interest might make sense. The team is on path for the playoffs, but their biggest weakness might be the run game. Trent Richardson continues to not work out for the team and they might think to make a move. Could it be Rice? According to Saints coach Sean Payton, New Orleans has no interest in the running back.
Payton was forced to address multiple rumors after his team won on the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers and one of those included the idea that the Saints would sign Rice.
"I think I would know if we were interested in signing any player, and so -- but those are the 'Sunday splash reports.' When you're in this business on Sunday, you gotta have something that everyone reads, regardless if it's truthful or not," Payton said, via NFL.com. "And so, we like our running back depth, and if you do a little research, Khiry (Robinson's) coming back next week. Any more 'splash reports'?"
The Saints have been benefitting from a career year from Mark Ingram who is currently battling for a new contract. They also have Pierre Thomas returning to the lineup along with Robinson, so it would appear they are set on the front of running backs. The Colts look to be the better option if any team is going to sign Rice.
There are several playoff-contending teams in need of running back help. The Denver Broncos are down to just CJ Anderson in their rotation. The Philadelphia Eagles could use help for LeSean McCoy. The Pittsburg Steelers have just Le'Veon Bell. For now, Rice remains on the free agent and could for the remainder of the year, then things will get interesting regarding his future.
