Ray Rice is eligible to sign with an NFL team now that his suspension has been overturned. On the field, Rice had a down season in 2013 as a runner with 3.1 yards-per-carry. Only two games (of 15 played) saw Ray Rice with at least 4.0 YPC that season. His usage in the passing game remained strong, however, with 58 receptions. The last time Rice had fewer than 58 receptions in a season was back in 2008, his rookie year. The biggest concern is if Rice ‘lost it’ as an aging running back. Prior to his suspension, Rice looked better than during his forgettable 2013 season. Not Rice-in-his-prime good, but a functional NFL running back.
There are many off-the-field topics in play regarding Ray Rice, but sticking to on the field, here are some potential landing spots:
Cowboys
DeMarco Murray is set to be a free agent after this season and, while Joseph Randle has been functional as a backup, the jury is still out on his potential as an NFL starter. Ray Rice could serve as the lead back of a committee in 2015 and insurance.
Dolphins
Lamar Miller has hit 20 touches in a game only once this year. My honest assessment is that Miller will function best on 10-15 touches a game. Knowshon Moreno is a free agent after the season and Miami has been giving work to Daniel Thomas and Damien Williams along the way.
Chargers
Ryan Mathews is a free agent after the season, Donald Brown has been forgettable, and Danny Woodhead and Branden Oliver essentially play the same role in the offense.
Colts
Daniel Herron is getting significant run, Ahmad Bradshaw is a free agent (in addition to returning from yet another injury, at 29 years old), and Vick Ballard and Trent Richardson are replacement level.
Patriots
Don’t they seem to sign every ‘down on their luck former talent’ out there? The day Jonas Gray gets a second alarm clock and they bring in Ray Rice. LeGarrette Blount is signed for next season, but Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley are likely gone. They have to keep the confusing committee going, right?
Cardinals
They just signed Michael Bush, yes – that Michael Bush, to backup Andre Ellington. That is all you need to know about their depth chart at running back. Ellington has been ineffective between the tackles and Ray Rice would offer an upgrade in that role. Michael Bush has that ‘Peyton Hillis’ band-aid feel that will not be a factor for a contending team.
Redskins
Roy Helu is a free agent and Rice could be a decent complement to Alfred Morris.
