Obviously, no one is condoning Ray Rice's off the field action's from this past off-season toward his then fiance. But Ray Rice won his appeal and is eligible to sign with some teams. From a purely football perspective, here are some teams that should consider signing the back to the veteran's minimum for at least the rest of this season.
1. Denver Broncos
The Broncos went into the season expecting to make Montee Ball their workhorse running back. But he just wasn't as effective as they were wanting and then he was injured early on in the season. Then they gave the reigns to Ronnie Hillman, who did well but was another casualty to injury. Now they are starting C.J. Anderson as of week 12 against the Dolphins. It's worth considering that Rice would be better than a rookie that hasn't played much in the NFL. The Broncos have to make sure they can keep a balanced offense and signing Rice would costless up some of the pressure off of the passing game.
2. Indianapolis Colts
So they traded a first round pick last year to acquire Trent Richardson. That clearly has not worked out well. Then they spent some costless agent money on Ahmad Bradshaw, who has been injured most of the season. Then it comes down to "Boom" Herron, the former Ohio State back to be a change of pace back for Richardson. This clearly just doesn't look like a great scenario for the Colts. That's why they should bring in a costless agent. Everyone already knows they tried to claim Ben Tate off of waivers just a couple of weeks ago. So bringing Rice in would just make the situation even more evident that they are doing this as a football move, just like most teams would. Also, Jim Irsay has had the drinking issue this past off-season and can stand up at a press conference saying that he felt Ray Rice deserved a second chance. When he has had his own, it is much more understanding to see him give a second chance to another.
3. Arizona Cardinals
They just keep trying to rush the ball despite not having enough talent in the backfield. Now with Carson Palmer out for the rest of the season and Drew Stanton as the starter, they need more help in the running game. Ray Rice would be an excellent addition to what they already have going with Andre Ellington, and would fill the role currently vacated by Stepfan Taylor. The Cardinals had also put a waiver claim in on Ben Tate so that justification is easy to come by, and they already have a decent track record of doing well with troubled players by their success with Tyrann Mathieu, the honey badger. If they want to attempt to preserve their number one spot in the NFC and ensure a chance at playoff success, then this move is something that the Cardinals simply have to at least consider.
4. Miami Dolphins
Ryan Tannehill just isn't quite as good as the top level quarterbacks in the NFL. Lamar Miller is a decent running back, but isn't quite equipped for the whole workload the way that Ray Rice could be for them. They had signed Knowshon Moreno this past off-season, but haven't gotten more than a couple of games from him due to injury, at 6-5 they playoff hopes are currently on a respirator, and they need to do something to keep those hopes alive. Signing Ray Rice would give them another solid offensive weapon.
5. Atlanta Falcons
The Steven Jackson signing from the 2013 off-season simply isn't working out well for the black and red. The Falcons need more of a balanced offense because everyone knows that Matt Ryan is just going back there to pass most of the time. Ray Rice could help, despite the fact that he would be behind an injury riddled offensive line. Plus, this would still give Rice a chance to make the playoffs in a ridiculously maligned NFC South. Someone has to win it and Rice could make enough plays to help get another victory over the Saints, which is the win that they need the most since they are tied for the division lead at 4-7.