Ray Rice Would Fit In With Arizona Cardinals If Given The Opportunity

It has now been more than two weeks since free agent running back Ray Rice has been reinstated by the NFL. As we all know, Rice was suspended indefinitely by league commissioner Roger Goodell following his domestic violence case. Needless to say, Goodell and the league got it wrong with their double jeopardy ruling, imposing a two-game suspension on Rice and later upping it to an indefinite suspension.

Now that Rice has regained eligibility to play football after winning federal appeal, the lingering question after two weeks is, who is willing to sign him?

One team that can use his services is the Arizona Cardinals. Rice can contribute to the Cardinals’ running game, which has really been struggling this season as the fifth worst in the league in that category. Granted, Rice has not played football in a year, so there may be slight rust. Additionally, Rice’s production has fallen from 1,143 rushing yards in 2012 when he won a Super Bowl, to 660 yards rushing in 2013.

However, these facts are not enough to discount a back of Rice’s caliber. It is now up to the Cardinals’ personnel to take into consideration signing Rice. It’s unlikely that the signing will take place this season, being that the Cardinals are in the driver’s seat in the NFC West and vying for a divisional title and playoff berth. The last thing this franchise needs at this time is all of the media distractions that would surround them with Rice being brought on board in the Desert. All things considered, the Cardinals’ front office needs to start thinking about the 2015 offseason, and signing Rice to at least a short-term deal to experiment with him in the run game.

As Rice stated in an interview with The Today Show’s Matt Lauer, “I have taken full responsibility for everything I have did and the only thing I can hope for and pray for is a second chance.” It’s too early to tell now whether Rice is a changed man, but a return to football can definitely help in the healing process. After all, players such as Michael Vick, Donte Stallworth and Adam Jones have been allowed second opportunities in the NFL after year-long suspensions. I don’t see why Rice would not be allowed that same opportunity.