Report: Unnamed NFL Team “Seriously Considered” Signing Ray Rice

Update:

Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun confirms that NFL teams are interested in former Ravens running back Ray Rice.

However, sources have told Wilson that NFL owners have been reluctant to sign off on giving him another opportunity in the NFL.

———

ESPN’s Ed Werder reports that former Ravens RB Ray Rice and a group of supporters have been making calling NFL teams asking to give him a second chance in the NFL.

Werder mentions that former Buccaneers HC Greg Schiano is among the group of supporters trying to convince an NFL team to take a chance on him.

As Werder writes, Rice is looking for the same opportunity to resume his NFL career as Adrian Peterson and Greg Hardy have received after sitting out nearly the entire 2015 season.

According to Werder, an unnamed NFL team “seriously considered” offering Rice a contract, but the team’s ownership became uncomfortable late in the process because of concerns about public reaction to signing him to a contract.

Sources tell Werder that money isn’t an issue for Rice. He instead wants an opportunity to make his case for a chance to compete for a roster spot.

Werder spoke to NFL general managers and personnel directors who said that they view Rice as “declining player at a young man’s position,” which is hardly a positive endorsement to him returning to the NFL.

Rice, 28, last appeared in an NFL game back in 2013 when he ran for 660 yards on 214 carries (3.1 YPC) to go along with 58 receptions for 321 yards receiving and four total touchdowns.

It’s worth mentioning that Rice dealt with a hip injury that year, which could explain his dip in production. However, Pro Football Focus still had him rated as the worst qualifying running back in the league that year.