The New Orleans Saints, currently sitting in third place in the NFC South with a 5-7 record, have made a strategic move to enhance their linebacker depth by claiming Monty Rice off waivers from the Tennessee Titans. Rice, a former third-round pick by the Titans in the 2021 NFL Draft, played his college football at Georgia and brings a promising profile to the Saints’ defense.
Rice’s NFL journey began in 2021 as the Titans’ third-round selection, and despite initially entering his rookie season as the fourth-string inside linebacker, injuries to his position allowed him to make significant contributions. In his debut season, Rice appeared in ten games, making four starts and recording 36 tackles, one quarterback hit, and one pass deflection, representing 27% of defensive snaps. Unfortunately, his rookie campaign was cut short due to an ankle injury in Week 12, leading to his placement on season-ending injured reserve.
The following season, Rice faced a brief setback as he missed the first four games while recovering from the previous year’s injury. However, upon returning, he played in the remaining 13 games, making six starts and contributing 66 tackles, four for a loss, one quarterback hit, and one pass deflection, representing 41% of defensive snaps.
In his third season, Rice competed for the starting linebacker spot with Jack Gibbens, ultimately losing the battle. Despite playing in every game this season, his role has been limited, amounting to 26 tackles, one for a loss, and one quarterback hit, representing 11% of defensive snaps.
The acquisition of Rice is significant for the Saints for several reasons. Firstly, it provides valuable depth to the linebacker position, crucial for a defense to maintain performance when starters face injuries. With Rice having started in ten games during his young career, the Saints can rely on his experience as a backup.
Furthermore, the timing of claiming Rice becomes particularly pertinent with Pete Werner’s status uncertain due to an oblique injury. If Werner is unable to play, the Saints can turn to Rice or other options, such as Nephi Sewell. Given that Rice needs time to understand the defensive scheme, it’s uncertain if he’ll be immediately active, but his potential contribution offers insurance for the team.
Lastly, Rice’s youth and limited experience make him a compelling addition for the Saints. With the opportunity to be coached up and gain significant playing time, Rice has the chance to develop and make meaningful contributions to the Saints’ defense. His acquisition reflects the team’s commitment to building depth and cultivating talent, making him an intriguing prospect for the future. The question now is whether Monty Rice will seize the opportunity presented and strive to improve in the Saints’ system.
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