Late Friday afternoon, the NFL provided clarity to the situation.
“There was insufficient evidence to support a finding that (Rashee Rice) violated the personal conduct policy.”
Schefter provided a statement from Rice’s attorney:
“Mr. Rice wants to thank the NFL for their thorough investigation, and looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season.”
The news virtually erases any speculation of Rice’s availability for the coming season, but that’s the extent of what it tells us about the nearly-26-year-old receiver and his future in Kansas City past 2026.
Rice is scheduled to enter unrestricted free agency next offseason. The team’s willingness to extend him before he hits the open market was likely not affected by the closed investigation.
Only the organization and its top decision makers can determine if Rice should be a long-term player for the Chiefs, not the league’s investigation or a civil lawsuit, which is likely still active.
Regardless, Kansas City is slated to have its most proven receiver available for the 2026 season opener. Whether or not quarterback Patrick Mahomes is back then, the floor of the Chiefs’ offense is raised when Rice is on the field.