As far as wide receivers go, Sidney Rice might be the best available at this point in free agency. However, a season-ending ACL tear last year, interest has been hot and cold. Rice has been left to fight for team's trust as many are unwilling to put money down on a player that may or may not be ready by the start of 2014. However, the market is starting to heat up and Rice could be under contract sooner rather than later.
According to Rice's agent, at least four teams have emerged as contenders to sign him. The San Francisco 49ers were removed from that after they signed veteran Brandon Lloyd to a deal. The New York Giants were next on the free agency tour.
New York needs help at the wide receiver position after the departure of Hakeem Nicks and uncertainty surrounding the potential ceiling for Rueben Randle. However, ESPN.com's Dan Graziano reports that the Giants are not interested in signing Rice and will not be interested unless the receiver is medically cleared. Rice has been telling teams he has been cleared, but there is no confirmation of that.
The Carolina Panthers also appeared to be contenders for Rice. The team has lost almost all of their playmakers to free agency and failed to sign big names like DeSean Jackson, Julian Edelman and Eric Decker. The Panthers do not have many elite options at the moment and could use Rice for depth. ESPN's David Newton reports the Panthers can also be taken off the list of suitors after the team denied the receiver had a visit scheduled.
So who does that leave? According to Walter Spargo of CoverRaiders.com, Oakland could be a great landing spot for Rice once healthy. Rice is only 27 and while his injury history does not convey a long future in the league, he could be essential for depth, something the Raiders are in need of. Oakland brought in James Jones for a solid veteran presence and adding Rice would help the effort to develop a young core of players.
If the Raiders are going to sign Rice, it will be for cheap. The receiver has only played a full season twice in his seven years in the NFL. That resume does not earn a multi-year, big-figured deal. But, Rice would be heavily used for Oakland if he is willing to take a smaller deal. Right now, the team is looking at first-round rookies to help out quarterback Matt Schaub, but Rice could be the better option baring his health checking out.