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Seattle Seahawks Sign Brenden Rice to Practice Squad

11/19/2025, 5:42:06 AM

Overview of the Signing

The Seattle Seahawks have signed wide receiver Brenden Rice, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, to their practice squad. This move comes after Rice's brief stints with the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots, where he struggled to secure a permanent roster spot. The Seahawks also signed running back Velus Jones, releasing tight end Marshall Lang and cornerback Mike Reid to accommodate these additions.

Brenden Rice's Career Path

Brenden Rice was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round (225th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, he appeared in three games, primarily contributing on special teams without recording any offensive statistics. Following his release from the Chargers before the 2025 season, Rice joined the New England Patriots' practice squad but was cut just a week later.

Before entering the NFL, Rice had a notable college career, playing at the University of Colorado and later at the University of Southern California (USC). In his senior year at USC, he recorded 45 receptions for 791 yards and 12 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. His performance at USC showcased his potential as a reliable receiver, particularly in the red zone.

Current Team Dynamics

The Seahawks' decision to sign Rice is partly influenced by injuries within their wide receiver corps. Key players, including rookie Tory Horton, have been sidelined, creating a need for depth at the position. The current starting lineup features Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and Rashid Shaheed, with Rice aiming to impress during practice to secure a spot on the active roster.

Official Statements & Responses

The Seahawks have not publicly commented on the signing beyond the announcement. However, the addition of Rice is seen as a strategic move to bolster their receiving options as they navigate the challenges of the ongoing season.

Criticism & Opposition

While the signing has been met with interest due to Rice's lineage, some analysts question whether he can live up to the expectations set by his father's legendary career. Critics point out that Rice's initial NFL performances have not yet demonstrated the skills necessary to make a significant impact at the professional level.

What's Next for Brenden Rice

Brenden Rice now faces the challenge of proving himself in practice and potentially earning a call-up to the active roster. His ability to adapt to the Seahawks' system and perform consistently will be crucial as the team prepares for upcoming games, including a matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The Seahawks' coaching staff will closely evaluate Rice's performance in the coming weeks to determine his future with the team.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “The first words he said was, ‘Time to go to work.’ He said, ‘I will be with you every step of the way.’ He said, ‘Now, I’m going to be involved in all of your workouts from now on, and we have a lot of people to prove wrong, a lot of teams that go ahead.’ It’s going to be one hell of a story.” — Brenden Rice, on his father's reaction to his draft position.
  • “Rice is young and hungry, and if he can start to showcase his skills from USC at the professional level, he may carve out a huge role for himself.” — Analyst commentary on Rice's potential.