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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 27: Rashee Rice #4 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Arrowhead Stadium on October 27, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been surrounded by uncertainty this offseason ever since the NFL opened an investigation into the domestic violence allegations made by Rice’s “longtime partner” and mother to his children, Dacoda Jones, who filed a civil lawsuit related to those same allegations over a month later.
Late Friday afternoon, the NFL provided clarity to the situation.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the NFL’s conclusion to the investigation for violations of the league’s personal conduct policy, and revealed the league will close its case without disciplining Rice at this time.
Schefter also 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 an 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.
