Former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice can sign with any NFL team now that his suspension has been overturned on appeal and while there isn't much interest, teams like the Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions, Denver Broncos or Minnesota Vikings could take a look at the RB, as those teams all have various issues at the running back position.
The Colts and Lions each have been dealing with injury issues at running back, while the Saints also were mentioned in connection with Rice. ESPN.com and NFL.com report that at least four teams have shown interest in Rice, although he is not expected to sign this season. Adam Schefter at ESPN writes that it's more likely that Rice signs in the offseason to avoid the public relations attention that would follow him signing after all that has happened this season.
The Colts and Saints seem like obvious matches since they have each dealt with injuries at the RB position this season, but both teams have come out to refute that they are interested. The Saints have dealt with Pierre Thomas being injured along with Mark Ingram, while the Colts lost Ahmad Bradshaw to a broken ankle and he is out for the season. Rice is 27 and will be 28 next season and with it being so late in the year, teams may not be willing to take a chance.
Rice seemed radioactive a while back, but now that his wife and himself have taken to TV to get the public back on their side, NFL teams now look more willing to sign someone who beat his wife. Rice has been declining over the past year and he is getting to that age when RBs break down, but he still could be a productive option for many teams. The Saints, Colts and Lions along with the Broncos are heading to the playoffs and while they may need a boost, they do not want to mess things up with a big distraction, which is exactly what Rice would be.
The Broncos looked into Richie Incognito and didn't sign him and they likely will not make a move with Rice either. The team has lost Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman to injuries, but they have gotten some great play from CJ Anderson. This past weekend Anderson had another big game and the Broncos have been satisfied with the way he has rushed the ball and it is unlikely they will add more heading into the playoffs.
Rice also would have to get to game speed and up to speed with any offensive scheme and that takes time. It doesn't make too much sense to sign him now, but teams are doing their due diligence and chances are another team will take a chance on him after his release from the Ravens. The Cardinals just dealt with some injuries, but they are also not interested. Rice rushed for 660 yards last season and averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, a major drop off from his previous years when he averaged 4.0 yards or more in each of his first five seasons.
