It's natural to assume that Johnny Manziel's public divorce proceedings from the Browns would put Ray Rice in a positive light as he continues to look for an NFL team willing to take a chance.
That assumption is wrong.
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Reports stemming from the circumstances behind Manziel entering concussion protocol for the Browns' regular-season finale has put both the quarterback and organization in a negative light.
The Browns spent their day on Tuesday denying an NFL.com report suggesting they lied about Manziel's possible concussion entering Cleveland's final game, against the Steelers.
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The Browns' season has been over for more than a month; yet they're still answering questions about their embattled quarterback, who likely will not be with the team in 2016.
So it makes more sense to assume that the Browns aren't eager to engage in another media circus by signing Rice, even though they are listed a one of four likely interested franchises for Manziel's services, according to Sports Cheat Sheet.
"This past season, rookie Duke Johnson Jr. was a strong option in the passing game for the Browns, catching 61 balls for 534 yards and two scores," Sports Cheat Sheet reported. "Unfortunately, he rushed for just 379 yards with a 3.6 yard per carry average. Granted, on the depth chart, Johnson was behind Isaiah Crowell, who didn't produce all that well either, finishing up the season with 706 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.
"Basically, the running game in Cleveland is still completely up in the air right now. Whether Crowell or Johnson are able to come through is unknown, and the Browns also need a quarterback, so that may be their focus during the 2016 NFL draft. So, how about a free agent option? Maybe, say, Ray Rice? Yes, there are some intriguing free agents at the running back position, but Rice would be inexpensive and could provide some power in the backfield for a team who desperately needs it."
Inexpensive yes, but the Browns may not wish to engage in another round of media scrutiny by signing another controversial player.
In turn, other teams on the Sports Cheat Sheet list -- the Colts, Lions and Texas -- along with the Seahawks, Cowboys and others who could take a flier on Rice and spend their money on other positions might be reminded of how exhausting the media scrutiny can be on a franchise.
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