Reports: Ray Rice preparing for NFL comeback, owners hesitant
Former Ravens running back Ray Rice has drawn interest from NFL teams, but owners are hesitant to take a risk on him, according to reports.
The Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson reported that multiple teams’ front-office personnel are expressing some desire to bring in Rice, who last played in the NFL in 2013 after serving a suspension and subsequently being released by the Ravens for a domestic violence case involving his then-fiancée Janay Palmer, who is now his wife.
An ESPN report Friday indicated that Rice and a “group of supporters,” including ex-Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano, Rice’s college coach at Rutgers, have been lobbying on the running back’s behalf to various NFL teams. The report says that Rice, 28, has been working out daily in Connecticut and is not motivated by money, after making $25 million over his final 18 months with Baltimore.
According to the report, one team “seriously considered” making Rice an offer before team ownership became “uncomfortable” due to the potential public backlash of signing him. Despite new contracts for the reinstated Adrian Peterson (Vikings) and Greg Hardy (Cowboys), there has reportedly been little interest around the league in adding Rice.
On the field, Rice’s rushing yards, yards per carry and touchdowns have declined each of his past three seasons.
• Rice's priorities have changed, ready to return
- Jeremy Woo
