Rice was suspended for six games this past season for his role in a multi-vehicle accident, and earlier this year allegations of abuse were made by his ex-girlfriend Dacoda Jones, which was followed by a civil lawsuit against him.

This had many believing that given his sketchy off-the-field past and the serious nature of these accusations, which alleged that Rice had “grabbed, choked, strangled, thrown, scratched, hit and headbutted” the plaintiff – i.e. Jones, the NFL could impose and even harsher fine on Rice for this forthcoming season at the conclusion of the trial.

However, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter this was not to be, as the league has made a final decision on any potential suspension regarding the 25-year old.

“NFL concluded today that Chiefs WR Rashee Rice “has not engaged in conduct that violates the personal conduct policy” and the investigation into accusations from his former girlfriend is now closed; there will be no discipline at this time.” Schefter reported on Friday, before noting the statement from the former second round pick’s lawyer, Sean Lindsey.

“Mr. Rice wants to thank the NFL for their thorough investigation, and looks forward to the start of the 2026-27 NFL season.”

Rashee Rice will seemingly avoid any suspension unless the NFL makes a 180 degree shift, which would probably require new and damning evidence against him to come to light.

Given that there have not been any explicit reports showing that Rice’s civil lawsuit has been settled, it came as a surprise to some that the league decided to make such a clear declaration early on in the offseason. Rice’s last suspension decision in 2025, by contrast, was made on August 27 – almost five months later in the season’s cycle.

Chiefs Will Have Rashee Rice to Start the Season

Despite multiple interruptions over the past couple of years that included a season-ending knee injury in 2024 and a six-game suspension in 2025, Rice has quietly established himself as the clear WR1 in Kansas City.

Rice managed 571 yards in 8 games in 2025 coming directly off of both injury and suspension, which over the course of the season would have translated to a 1,213 yard receiving season.

If he can manage a full season that does not face off-the-field distractions nor injuries, Rice has an opportunity to show himself to be a clear top-10 wideout in the NFL, especially now that he has two electric vertical threats in Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton playing alongside him and taking defenders away.

That “if”, however, is far from trivial.