The New England Patriots have brought in veteran linebacker , formerly with the Tennessee Titans, by signing him to their practice squad. Although the NFL trade deadline passed without major moves from the Patriots, this addition aims to bolster their depth at the linebacker position.
Rice, originally a third-round draft pick by the Titans in 2021, has 35 games of NFL experience over the past three seasons. A standout at the University of Georgia, Rice quickly made an impact during his rookie season, starting in four of the 10 games he played and accumulating 36 tackles. His sophomore season saw him start six of 13 games, and he recorded a career-best 66 tackles, along with four tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus graded him well for his run defense, giving him a score of 73.8, which ranked him 37th out of 182 linebackers that year.
However, last season, Rice’s role with the Titans was limited as he appeared in 12 games, posting 26 tackles and contributing primarily on special teams. By 2023, his playing time had further decreased, and he appeared in only 86 defensive snaps before the Titans released him. Rice was briefly claimed by the New Orleans Saints, but after being released at the end of training camp, he spent most of the season on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. The Falcons released him on October 21, making him available for the Patriots to add.
The Patriots’ linebacker corps has been stretched thin this season, especially after losing captain Ja’Whaun Bentley to a season-ending injury. With Bentley out, New England has relied heavily on Jahlani Tavai and, more recently, Christian Ellis. They also have linebackers Raekwon McMillan, Sione Takitaki, and Curtis Jacobs on the active roster, though additional depth has become increasingly important.
By signing Rice to the practice squad, the Patriots are giving themselves a versatile option who can contribute to both defense and special teams if needed. Rice’s experience as a former starter could make him a valuable asset as the team navigates the rest of the season with a depleted linebacker group. His familiarity with high-level competition and his consistent play in run defense provide the Patriots with a reliable backup option, especially as they adjust to the loss of key players.
Leave a Reply