Let’s look at the latest from around the AFC…
- We learned earlier today that the Colts are one of four clubs that have expressed interest in free agent running back Ray Rice, but ESPN.com’s Mike Wells argues that the backlash from adding Rice would be too great for Indianapolis to withstand. The Colts recently lost Ahmad Bradshaw for the rest of the season, and fellow RB Trent Richardson is also dealing with injuries. Head coach Chuck Pagano is familiar with Rice from the duo’s time in Baltimore, but it doesn’t seem like a reunion is likely.
- Meanwhile, Denver makes sense as a potential destination for Rice (at least on paper), as the Broncos’ running back situation has been in flux all year. Injuries to Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman have clouded the backfield pecking order, and though C.J. Anderson is thriving as the new starter, Denver could conceivably use a veteran presence. However, sources tell Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the Broncos have no interest in Rice; with just six regular season games remaining, Rice wouldn’t have much time to pick up Denver’s offense.
- More on the Rice front, as Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun writes that although teams have declared interest in Rice, sources say that “nothing concrete has developed quickly.”
- There will undoubtedly be several head coaching jobs available during the offseason, and Ben Volin of the Boston Globe identifies a few candidates for those positions by examining which assistant coaches have performed the best in 2014. Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton, Ravens offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak, and Dolphins OC Bill Lazor are among the coordinators singled out by Volin.
- Titans quarterback Jake Locker entered today’s game following an injury to Zach Mettenberger, and completed just six of 12 passes for 93 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He’s a free agent after the season, and Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap wonders (via Twitter) if Locker will be able to secure any guaranteed money on his next contract, or whether he’ll be forced to attend a training camp as something of a “tryout” player.