Ray Rice Wins Appeal; Browns Unlikely Destination
Ray Rice was supposed to meet the Cleveland Browns in his first week back from his original two week suspension. Roger Goodell stepped in and suspended Rice for at least the rest of the season before big Phil Taylor was able to get his hands on him.
Today Rice won his appeal with the league and is free to sign with any team:
Ray Rice has won his appeal, per a league source.
— Rand Getlin (@RandGetlin) November 28, 2014
The 27 year old Rice was once seen as the cornerstone of the Baltimore Ravens offense. He ran for over 1,100 yards in four straight season, starting in his second year in the league. Last season his production fell off a cliff. He played in 15 games, had 214 carries but only amassed 660 yards, a 3.1 yards per carry average.
Given the public relations nightmare (not to mention feelings towards what he did to his now wife) signing Rice would be a difficult decision for any NFL team.
Given his lack of production last season signing Rice, after sitting out for most of this year, would not be a high priority for any team.
Put those two givens together and it is unlikely Rice sees the field this year, though the Patriots could have been an option if they hadn’t just signed LeGarrette Blount.
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- Cleveland Browns critics continue to misplace their judgement
- 3 Cleveland Browns players who don’t deserve another season in 2023
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
The Browns are even more unlikely to go after Rice. The team has three young backs that they like (Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West and Glenn Winston) and just got rid of a veteran that wasn’t living up to his name (Ben Tate). Rice’s style of running is less suited for the Browns Zone Blocking Scheme as well. He likes to pick his way through the line rather than put his foot in the ground with one cut and go.
Someone likely takes a chance on Rice this off-season and sees what he still has left in the tank. Michael Vick, Josh Brent and others have been given second chances for infamous bad behavior. Rice will likely get the same chance. Just don’t expect it to be with the Cleveland Browns.
Who do you think gives Ray Rice a chance and when?