Ray Rice -- On the Rise ... Maybe

There is serious buzz in the NFL community surrounding Ray Rice -- with multiple sources telling us there are a handful of teams that have expressed "legitimate interest" in the embattled running back.

Rice hasn't played a down in the league since KO'ing his then-fiancee in an Atlantic City casino last year ... but now, he's a free agent looking for a home -- and we're told the feedback is very positive.

Sources tell us Rice's agents have engaged with multiple teams recently -- and we're told there are serious discussions among team decision-makers about the possibility of bringing him on board.

One big NFL agent -- who does NOT rep Ray Rice -- told us he's convinced at least one team will take a shot at the former Pro Bowl player.

"He will be back on the field very soon with some team ... I can guarantee that."