NFL Notes: Ray Rice, Josh McCown, 49ers, Giants, & Jets

Ray Rice

Free agent RB Ray Rice released a statement thanking the city of Baltimore and apologizing for the domestic abuse incident that led to his release, via Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.

This is not a farewell or goodbye. The last seven years that my family and I have spent in Baltimore have by far been the best of our lives. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you all for the love and support you’ve shown my family and I throughout my football career. We’ll always be grateful for the love we’ve received from all of our fans and supporters, and for winning a Super Bowl. To all the kids who looked up to me, I’m truly sorry for letting you down, but I hope it’s helped you learn that one bad decision can turn your dream into a nightmare. There is no excuse for domestic violence, and I apologize for the horrible mistake I made. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and I hope to make a positive difference in people’s lives by raising awareness of this issue. Thank you, Baltimore Ravens, for all you have done for my family and I. I’m very grateful to Steve Bisciotti, Ozzie Newsome, John Harbaugh, and everyone at 1 Winning Drive. I love you all very much, and I’ll always be proud to say I played for the Baltimore Ravens.

Josh McCown

Recently released QB Josh McCown tells Pro Football Talk that he definitely plans to play in 2015.

McCown mentioned on Thursday that “at least a half dozen teams” have expressed an interest in signing him thus far. (Rick Stroud)

49ers

• Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee writes that it would not surprising if the 49ers released OLB Ahmad Brooks during the offseason.

Jets

• According to Matt Miller of the Bleacher Report, the New York Jets plan to “roll out the red carpet” for Broncos free agent WR Demaryius Thomas if he doesn’t receive the franchise tag.

Giants

• WR Victor Cruz, who tore his patellar tendon in his right knee back in October, is targeting a return for training camp. (Jordan Raanan)
• OL Geoff Schwartz is reportedly progressing from ankle surgery and should back in time for the Giants’ training camp. (Jordan Raanan)
• CB Prince Amukamara expects to be at full strength this March after he tore the biceps muscle in his arm this past season. (Jordan Raanan)
• CB Walter Thurmond‘s rehab is “going well” and the expectation is that he’ll be back at some point this spring. (Jordan Raanan)
• DE Robert Ayers suffered an injury to his pectoral muscle that was described as being “torn badly.” As of now, there is no return date scheduled for him. (Jordan Raanan)
• Free agent S Stevie Brown is expected to be back at full strength in four weeks after he underwent surgery on his injured foot. (Jordan Raanan)