With Rice's Reinstatement, Should Patriots Give Him a Try?

NFL running back Ray Rice won his appeal against his suspension and can now sign with any NFL team.

So, why not the New England Patriots?

With running back Stevan Ridley all but out the door at this point and no indication that Shane Vereen will resign or not, the Patriots could be down two backs next season. With Jonas Gray and LaGarrette Blount the only two running backs penciled in to the Patriots 53-man roster next season, they will most likely need to obtain a more versatile back.

The Patriots should consider Ray Rice to fill the position. Rice’s down year in 2013 and now his fiasco with his suspension and domestic charges will keep the price low in order to obtain his services. At a price that could be as low as the league minimum, players that have ran for over 1,000 yards four seasons in a row and caught for over 700 yards in one season twice are almost never up for grabs.

The Patriots also have a history of taking on troubled players. Their list includes Corey Dillon, Aaron Hernandez, Randy Moss, Rodney Harrison and Chad Ochocinco. Adding Rice to that list would not be an abnormality.

Ray Rice also has the potential to become one of the most versatile running backs in the NFL once again. At the age of 27, Rice has now had an entire year off to recuperate and come back stronger and better. A change of scenery could also help his situation and get back on track to dominance.

Rice stays away from injury as well. Since becoming a starter in 2009 and minus his lost 2014 season to date, Rice has played every game but one. After Ridley’s injury and the rotation of backs, the Patriots could use some of that consistency in their backfield.

After the initial phase of awkwardness once Rice returns to the NFL, he could reinstate himself as one of the best running backs in the game. With the unclear futures of half of the Patriots running backs and Rice’s incredibly low price, the Patriots should take a hit on Rice’s potential.