The Sports Xchange

So far no NFL team has tried to sign free-agent running back Ray Rice, but Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine did admit that his staff at least discussed the possibility of adding Rice, SI.com reported Tuesday.

The Browns don’t seem satisfied with the running backs they have on hand and might consider adding a veteran to the mix.

When the possibility of adding Rice came up, Pettine said, according to the SI.com report, “Of course it’s a natural question here because of (Browns running backs coach) Wilbert (Montgomery), and because I was with Ray when he was a Ravens rookie (in 2008) and know a lot of people in Baltimore.

“Obviously Wilbert was his position coach for Ray’s first six years in the league (2008-13). I’m not going to say it didn’t come up in discussion, but at this point we’re not there yet.”

Rice has been out of the NFL since he was released by the Baltimore Ravens last September. That is when video of his attack on his then-fiancée surfaced.

Besides the possible public-relations commotion the signing of Rice might attract to a team that signs him, there is uncertainty about his worth as a running back.

After rushing for more than 1,100 four seasons in a row from 2009 through 2012, Rice rushed for just 660 yards and averaged only 3.1 yards per carry in 2013. He did not have a single carry in 2014, and he is now 28 years old.

When asked whether Rice’s controversial past would prevent the Browns from signing him, Pettine said the team would have to determine whether he was worth signing from a football standpoint before the outside issues were even considered.