Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs is hoping for an NFL opportunity when he gets released from prison next offseason in August. According to a report, the wideout is in a good headspace as Ruggs got a special release to speak at the “Hopes for Prisoners” event, where he got the chance to apologize for his actions in 2021, which led him to be in Prison in the first place. Originally selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product had a lot of promise playing for the Las Vegas Raiders, recording 26 receptions for 452 receiving yards and two touchdowns in just 13 games. Ruggs might face suspension if a team wants to pursue him next offseason for a possible tryout, but the hope might still be there for the wide receiver.
It seems unthinkable that Ruggs would ever play again in the league. However, the reality is that people have the chance to change, and if they make progress towards that, especially for an athlete, teams could give them some type of opportunity. Ruggs will be eligible for parole next summer after facing 3-10 years in prison, but the biggest implication is what type of life he will have outside of being incarcerated. The wideout is open to returning to the Raiders if they allow him to, but these three other teams might take a look in the future to give him a shot.
Former Raider Henry Ruggs Hopes For New NFL Opportunity – 3 Logical Fits
Potential Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
Depending on how the situation plays out for the Kansas City Chiefs in their wide receiving corps, the team could use a wideout like Ruggs. The Chiefs have always found a way to make things work, and an example of that is Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, who have been in some legal trouble in the past, but have made sure to get back to focusing on football. Despite losing Tyreek Hill a couple of seasons ago, the team has yet to have a losing season and is in a good place every year, no matter the circumstances or challenges they endure on offense. However, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes will get older and is coming off his worst season statistically up to his standards, it might be better to be safe than sorry to solidify their weapons.
Ruggs won’t join the team anytime soon, but he could be a solid addition to change his life around from the cell to a possibly hoisting hardware.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, owner Jerry Jones loves to give players second chances, and a huge example of that in the past has been in several athletes like Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory. The wide receiver unit is finally coming together in Dallas after having CeeDee Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson eat up most of the receptions. George Pickens is the new kid on the block, and if things work well, they could sign Ruggs once he’s free and ready to be committed to football to be their new possible WR3.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers could be in some serious trouble in the receiver department. 2024 draft pick Ladd McConkey is still the only set of reliable hands, while Quentin Johnston is yet to be proven, and Mike Williams is another washed-up veteran. Perhaps, if they’re still struggling, they could target Ruggs in an alternating football move to give Justin Herbert a hungry playmaker who is ready to change his life.
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