The Green Bay Packers recently made the aggressive move to release veteran kicker Brandon McManus. On Wendesday, they continued making moves, claiming an intriguing wide receiver.
According to a report from NFL insider Mike Garafolo, the Packers have claimed wideout Brenden Rice off of waivers from the Las Vegas Raiders.
“The Packers claimed WR Brendan Rice off waivers from the Raiders,” Garafolo wrote.
Rice is the son of NFL legend Jerry Rice. Many view the older Rice as the best wide receiver all-time in the league. His son has yet to make an impact at the professional level.
More than likely, this move is just to add another body for training camp and preseason action. However, it’s an interesting move given Rice’s NFL connection.
What Are the Packers Getting in Brenden Rice?
(Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images)
Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers with the No. 255 overall pick in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Rice has yet to play in an NFL regular season game.
During his college football career, Rice played in four seasons. His first two years were played for the Colorado Buffaloes and he finished his last two seasons with the USC Trojans.
Rice racked up 111 total receptions across those four years for 1,821 yards and 21 touchdowns. He wasn’t an elite playmaker, but he showed enough talent to be given an opportunity in the NFL.
Landing with Green Bay will put Rice in an excellent organization. The Packers have a quality coaching staff and are known for developing young players well.
Taking a Look at Green Bay’s Current Wide Receiver Room
On the outside looking in, Rice is facing a major uphill battle to make the roster with the Packers.
That being said, Green Bay has had a lot of turnover at the wide receiver position this offseason. Both Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are gone, with Doubs leaving to sign with the New England Patriots and Wicks being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Right now, the Packers have Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden as their top three wideouts. Behind those three players, they have Savion Williams and Bo Melton on the depth chart. Rice could be competing for the No. 6 wide receiver spot if Green Bay keeps that many on the roster.
Only time will tell, but Rice is an intriguing name to keep an eye on. His dad will never be forgotten in the football world and now his son is trying to forge his own path.
Packers Claim New Wide Receiver, Son of NFL Legend