The last time Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome spoke with running back Ray Rice it was in November during the former Pro Bowl running back's reinstatement hearing.
Newsome said they shared a warm embrace. There were no apparent hard feelings after the Ravens terminated Rice's $35 million contract in September after a graphic video surfaced of his domestic violence incident.
Newsome's testimony was instrumental in former federal judge Barbara S. Jones' decision to reinstate Rice, with the Ravens executive saying Rice was truthful in a June meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, according to sources.
Although the Ravens made it clear they won't be signing players with domestic violence in their background, Newsome expressed hope that Rice will get another opportunity in the NFL. Rice hasn't worked out for or visited a team, according to sources, but has been training in hopes of playing again.
"I don't know what 31 other teams are thinking, I think we'll find out probably before April whether Ray will get an opportunity to sign with another team," Newsome said. "He was in really good shape when he was with us this offseason and, from what I'm hearing, he's still working his butt off. If he gets an opportunity to play with another club, I would be happy for him."