Quick Read
- Brenden Rice, son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, signed to Patriots’ practice squad.
- Rice was a seventh-round pick for the Chargers in 2024 and played three games as a rookie.
- He finished his college career at USC with 1,402 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior.
- Signing follows injury to Patriots receiver Kayshon Boutte, increasing need for depth.
Patriots Add Brenden Rice After Injuries Shake Up Wide Receiver Corps
On Tuesday, the New England Patriots made a move that’s already stirring talk across the NFL: they signed Brenden Rice, son of legendary receiver Jerry Rice, to their practice squad. The timing couldn’t be more telling—just days after receiver Kayshon Boutte suffered a hamstring injury during New England’s nail-biting 24-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. With Boutte now labeled “day-to-day” by head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots are clearly looking for fresh options to keep their passing game on track.
Brenden Rice’s journey to Foxborough isn’t just about pedigree. The 23-year-old was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, picked 225th overall. At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Rice fits the mold of a classic “X” receiver—a perimeter threat designed to stretch defenses and open up opportunities for his teammates. Though his rookie season in Los Angeles was brief, spanning just three games and 13 snaps between offense and special teams, Rice’s college career suggests there’s more to his story than what’s shown up on NFL stat sheets.
From College Standout to NFL Prospect: Rice’s Path to New England
Rice’s collegiate résumé is nothing short of impressive. He began his college career at Colorado before transferring to USC, where he played alongside star quarterback Caleb Williams. Over four seasons, Rice hauled in 111 receptions, racked up 1,821 receiving yards, and found the end zone 21 times. His senior year was particularly notable: 84 catches, 1,402 yards, and 16 touchdowns in just 26 games with the Trojans, earning him second-team All-Pac-12 honors (Patspulpit, NFLTradeRumors).
But the transition from college star to NFL contributor is rarely straightforward. After signing a four-year, $4.1 million contract with the Chargers, Rice was waived at the end of preseason roster cuts. Clearing waivers, he became a free agent—one who reportedly visited Foxborough for a workout back in September. That earlier visit laid the groundwork for Tuesday’s signing, which comes as the Patriots seek depth and flexibility at a position hit hard by injuries.
Why the Patriots Made the Move: Depth, Opportunity, and Roster Dynamics
The Patriots’ wide receiver room has been in flux. With six receivers on the active roster—Boutte, Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III—plus John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb on the practice squad since August, competition for snaps is fierce. The addition of Rice, however, is less about immediate impact and more about strategic depth. New England needs contingency plans, especially with the NFL trade deadline having just passed and Boutte’s status up in the air (SI.com).
Stefon Diggs remains the clear leader among Patriots receivers, with 45 catches for 508 yards. DeMario Douglas is coming off a career-best 100-yard performance and looks primed for more targets. Still, injuries can quickly change the calculus, and the Patriots aren’t taking chances. Rice’s signing is a hedge—an investment in a young, talented player who has the potential to grow in a system known for developing overlooked talent.
Brenden Rice: Living in the Shadow and Stepping Out
Being Jerry Rice’s son comes with its own set of expectations. It’s a legacy that can inspire, but also weigh heavily. Brenden Rice has navigated this dynamic with quiet confidence, carving out his own path through hard work and perseverance. While the comparisons are inevitable, his college stats and physical profile suggest he’s not just a name—he’s a player with upside.
Rice’s journey is emblematic of the challenges faced by late-round draft picks. For every instant star, there are dozens of prospects who must fight for every opportunity. The Patriots have a history of making the most out of such players, turning overlooked rookies and castoffs into contributors. Whether Rice will follow that tradition remains to be seen, but he’s landed in a system that values grit as much as talent.
What’s Next for Rice and the Patriots?
For now, Rice’s spot on the practice squad means he’ll be working behind the scenes, learning the playbook, and competing for a chance to be elevated to the active roster. With the Patriots’ receiver depth being tested by injuries, that opportunity could come sooner rather than later. The team will need to make a corresponding move to accommodate Rice, and all eyes will be on Foxborough to see how the roster shakes out in the coming weeks.
As the Patriots prepare for their Week 10 matchup against the Buccaneers, Rice’s addition may prove timely. Whether he’ll see the field this season is uncertain, but his signing signals New England’s commitment to building depth and staying ready in the face of adversity. For Rice, it’s another chapter in a journey defined by persistence, promise, and the ever-present challenge of stepping out from a legendary shadow.
Brenden Rice’s arrival in New England is more than a headline—it’s a strategic move for a team navigating injuries and roster uncertainty. While Rice has yet to prove himself at the NFL level, his college pedigree and work ethic offer the Patriots a low-risk, high-upside option as they look to stabilize their wide receiver corps in a season full of twists and turns.