Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Is Ray Rice a good fit?

Former Baltimore Ravens’ Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice has been in NFL exile ever since his much publicized domestic abuse incident. NFL teams are likely still gun shy about giving Rice a second chance given the negative backlash that will almost definitely ensue. Off-field concerns aside, Rice is still relatively young at 28 years old. However, in Rice’s final season in Baltimore, his 3.1 rushing yards per carry average was a career low. Taking all of these factors into consideration, would bringing Ray Rice into training camp be a good idea for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

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It stands to reason that the Bucs’ rushing attack is in serious need of an upgrade. As a team in 2014, Tampa Bay rushed for 1,375 yards and seven touchdowns while Buccaneer opponents rushed for 1,819 yards and 15 touchdowns. To further illustrate just how anemic Tampa Bay’s rushing attack was last year, former Bucs’ quarterback josh McCown led the team in rushing touchdowns with a grand total of three.

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Granted, there is no guarantee that a rusty Ray Rice would solve all of Tampa Bay’s problems on the ground. However, Rice’s total body of work at the NFL level far exceeds anything that every other running back on the current Bucs’ roster has accomplished. Rice has rushed for 6,180 yards in his NFL career, 2,619 more yards than Doug Martin, Bobby Rainey, and Charles Sims combined.

Statistical achievements aside, it is also worth noting that Rice can likely be signed at a bargain basement price. I find it impossible that Rice would command the same type of dollar figures of fellow exiled running back Adrian Peterson. According to Sean Wagner-McGough of CBSSports.com, Peterson recently restructured the remaining three years of his $45 million contract which will net more guaranteed money.

With the dearth of talent in the Buccaneers’ backfield, it may be worth Tampa Bay’s while to accept the public scorn that a Rice signing will bring. After all, the NFL is a bottom line business and Ray Rice is a significant upgrade at a position of need for a substantial discount. It is quite a rare occurrence that a player of Rice’s caliber is still available this late in the off-season.

In addition, I think Ray Rice would be a positive influence on Tampa Bay’s younger players, particularly quarterback Jameis Winston. Prior to the shocking elevator surveillance footage of Rice attacking his former finance and now wife, it is easy to forget that Ray Rice’s public image was a very positive one. The New Rochelle native was seen as a leader both in the Ravens’ locker room and in the Baltimore community. Very proud of his New York roots, Rice was also very involved with his alma mater Rutgers University and attended Rutgers events on a regular basis.

Jun 16, 2015; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) calls a play during minicamp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The unfortunate saga involving Rice could serve as a valuable learning tool for the precocious Winston. Unlike Winston, Ray Rice’s reputation was virtually spotless as a collegiate player. Once Rice’s NFL career began in 2008, he continued to be an upstanding citizen and a prized member of the community. However, years and years of good will and equity within the community was wiped away because of one gigantic mistake.

In conclusion, I think it makes sense on multiple fronts for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to pursue Ray Rice. The Bucs’ finished an abysmal 29th in the NFL in rushing last year and I don’t believe Tampa Bay’s fourth-year running back Doug Martin can be counted on to stay healthy. Furthermore, I think Rice would be very thankful for any opportunity to resume his NFL career, even if it is with a struggling Bucs’ franchise. Lastly, Rice’s cautionary tale can act as a guiding current for James Winston as he wades through the unforgiving waters of the NFL for the first time.

Next: Buccaneers: Expectations for Charles Sims

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