It has been over a year since former Pro-Bowl Running Back Ray Rice got into an altercation with his (at the time) soon-to-be wife in an elevator. After the news was outed, the Ravens #1 running back's contract was terminated and he was suspended for an indefinite amount of time. Earlier today, Rice was exonerated of the charges after he had spent the year in a recovery program to make sure this kind of tragedy would not happen ever again. So the question remains: will he get another shot in the NFL?
Rice entered the League in 2008 as a 2nd round pick out of Rutgers University. In six seasons with Baltimore, Rice had accumulated over 6,000 yards, 3 pro-bowl appearances, ranked in the NFL's Top 100 Players for 3-consecutive years (2011-13), and a Super Bowl ring. Rice, amazingly, has also been injury free over his career. Impressive for a back who is only 5' 8".
Everything about Rice says sign him immediately. Teams should be scrambling for a chance to get this once in a lifetime back. But the actions of Ray have greatly damaged his reputation. But this has not kept teams at bay.
Supposedly, five teams are interested in Rice. For the teams interested, this could spell Super Bowl Bound in the next few years. Especially since some of the interested teams were in the playoffs this past year.
Dallas Cowboys
With DeMarco Murray gone, and many people not sure about who will be the true starter for Dallas, Rice would be ideal to Dallas. Granted, Dallas has already signed former Raider Darren McFadden. Also, today the team had workouts with five-year veteran Ben Tate along with former Cowboy, Felix Jones.
Rice could choose to go with a team that may have the best offensive line next year, and is a starting RB and a sub-par secondary away from a Super Bowl. This would be an ideal spot for Rice.
Cleveland Browns
This seems like the least likely of possibilities for Rice. The past two years, the Browns have spent three picks on Running Backs: Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West, and Duke Johnson. Adding a fourth to the fray would not be an idea for this once lone workhorse back. Rice would be looking for a place where he can go after another championship. This team is still pretty far from making the playoffs.
Oakland Raiders
The Raiders did a great deal of work this off season. Oakland added 13 players from all over the league and on every side of the ball. This includes two running backs: Trent Richardson and Roy Helu Jr. This team has the same problem as Cleveland. Players who have reached the top want to be back there. This teams does not offer the fast track to that dream.
New England Patriots
The reigning Super Bowl Champions are without a true starting back. Having lost both Steven Ridley and Shane Vereen in free agency, the Pats are looking at three guys to lead them: Jonas Grey, LeGarrette Blount, and Rookie Ty Gaffney.
Grey did well last year for the few games he played, breaking a New England rushing record. Granted, his best game was against a team with some major defense problems. Blount cannot stay out of trouble for his own good, having been suspended yet again. Gaffney has promise, but rarely is a rookie back ready to go from day one. Rice going to New England could happen, and we all know that Brady is hungry for a fifth ring. Rice would be the ideal fit for this team, considering that they run a similar offense as they did in Baltimore
Indianapolis Colts
This team, like the Patriots, are in need of a good starter. Over the past few years, the depth chart for the Colts running backs kept getting smaller and smaller. Injury after injury for Indy. Now adding seasoned vet Frank Gore to the mix, it would look as though they have a fighting chance in the run game. This could be another good fit, but is Rice ready to give up playing time?
Can Rice return to his former glory? I think the better question is, should he be allowed to?
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