Having seen Reggie Bush sign with the 49ers, the newest member of the Lions, Haloti Ngata told WXYT-FM he'd be open to having former teammate Ray Rice join him in Detroit.
A five-time Pro Bowl player, Ngata said he would recommend signing Rice, who rushed for 6,180 yards and 37 touchdowns during six seasons in Baltimore.
"He's a great guy on the field, in the locker room. He's a great community guy. He does a lot for the community, and so of course I think he would be a great addition to this team," Ngata said. "I love playing with him, I trusted him. You feel bad for his situation. You just hope nothing but the best for him."
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Rice was suspended indefinitely by the league after punching his then-fiancee Janay Palmer in the face, knocking her unconscious at an Atlantic City casino in February 2014, but insists now that he is a changed man.
Late last season, at least four teams were showing interest in signing Rice. If Rice were to sign with the Lions, he would be reunited with head coach Jim Caldwell and Teryl Austin, both of whom coached Rice in Baltimore.