Ray Rice is ready, but the question remains whether other teams are ready to accept him. The running back has been quietly sitting on the free agent market since his suspension got overturned following the domestic violence charges. Rice is hoping for a second chance in the NFL and training as if it is coming, so will a team make the move if they struggle at the position?
According to ESPN's John Clayton, a team will sign Rice. It is just a matter of when. The NFL Insider believes that Rice will start to become a hot name come training camp time after teams are done evaluating their current rosters during OTAs and mini-camps. Clayton writes that over the past few years, most players in Rice's shoes have gotten second chances simply based on roster needs. Greg Hardy and Michael Vick are two examples and Rice is expected to be another.
Clayton lists teams potentially eyeing Rice for the future and the Dallas Cowboys are at the top of the list. The Cowboys continue to get linked to running back options despite displaying faith in both Darren McFadden and Joseph Randle. They failed to acquire Adrian Peterson, but still went and worked out Felix Jones and Ben Tate. The Cowboys have taken risks before with players like Hardy, Randy Gregory and La'el Collins. Rice could be the next.
The Cowboys fully intend on attempting to give Dez Bryant a new contract which could hurt a deal for Rice. According to the Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys are still continuing negotiations with the star receiver. If Bryant signs a deal, Rice would likely be forced to take a minimum contract. Considering his resume, a one-year deal might not be ideal for Rice, but it might be all he is offered.
Clayton believes teams like the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots or Cleveland Browns could be options for Rice. It is really unknown what it would take for a team to sign the running back. If Trent Richardson struggles in camp, would the Raiders make the move? LeGarrette Blount will be suspended for the opener and the Patriots need depth. Is it great enough to bring on Rice? The free agent market right now for running backs is grim. Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson and Pierre Thomas are the highlights while Jones and Tate have gotten some looks as well. None of those players are potential starters while Rice is.
