On Friday, we heard that the Seahawks had expressed interest in bringing back wide receiver Sidney Rice, not long after releasing him to clear his bloated cap number from their books. Today, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com identifies a couple more suitors for the free agent receiver. According to Rapoport (via Twitter), the Jets and Saints both have interest in Rice.
Even after adding Eric Decker in free agency last week, the Jets are pursuing wide receiver upgrades, and have already been linked to Jacoby Ford today. As for the Saints, the club is still well-stocked at receiver even after releasing Lance Moore, but if Rice could be had at a discount rate, adding one more weapon for Drew Brees wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Rice, 27, has missed time with injuries in many of his NFL seasons, including 2013. He started all 16 games for the Seahawks in 2012, but finished the season with fairly modest numbers — 50 receptions, 748 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns. While he may never again match the Pro Bowl numbers he posted in 2009 (83 catches, 1,312 yards), if he stays healthy and finds the right fit, the former second-round pick could still have a positive impact for an NFL team.