NFL Notes: Ray Rice, Bills, Cardinals, Jaguars, & Saints

Ray Rice

NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith tells the Houston Chronicle that he supports former Ravens RB Ray Rice getting another opportunity in the NFL.

“I believe in redemption,” Smith said. “I’m troubled by the fact that no team has given him an opportunity to work out for them or meet with them. I think when a young person, any person, makes a mistake and atones for those mistakes, it’s our culture to give them another chance. I believe in forgiveness. I do think he deserves every opportunity to show he’s worthy of forgiveness. He made a mistake, an awful mistake and he’s paid an awful price. I do believe in the power of redemption. I do believe we tend to show our best when we forgive.”

Bills

• Bills HC Rex Ryan ruled out QB Tyrod Taylor (knee) and WR Sammy Watkins (ankle) for Week 7’s game against the Jaguars. (Joe Buscaglia)

Cardinals

• Aaron Wilson reports that the Cardinals worked out DL Toby Johnson and DL Olsen Pierre (signed) on Wednesday.

Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Kahn announced Thursday that they’ve agreed to a five-year extension to play one game a year in London, per Ryan O’Halloran.

This means the Jaguars’ overseas agreement includes an option that could extend the deal through 2025.

Kahn said that they will only play one game per year in London. Although, he reportedly around whether the Jaguars would want to play here two straight weeks, which had been previously suggested, per O’Halloran.

According to Kahn, the NFL wanted a five-year agreement.

The Jaguars’ owner previously hinted that a big announcement was coming Thursday, so this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Saints

• Saints HC Sean Payton said of CB Keenan Lewis: “There hasn’t been a setback. It’s just him fighting thru soreness, flexibility and range of motion.” (Evan Woodbery)