The Green Bay Packers made a head-turning roster move on Thursday, adding a familiar name to their wide receiver corps—Brenden Rice, the 24-year-old son of NFL legend Jerry Rice.
According to Pro Football Talk's Josh Alper, the Packers claimed Rice off waivers after the Las Vegas Raiders released him to make room for linebacker Cameron McGrone. It's the latest chapter in a journeyman career for the young receiver, who has already bounced between four teams in just two seasons.
Rice's NFL journey began when the Los Angeles Chargers selected him in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He appeared in three games as a rookie, logging just three offensive snaps and 10 on special teams. Since then, he's spent time on the practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots before landing with the Raiders late last season.
Before turning pro, Rice was a standout at USC, where he played alongside quarterback Caleb Williams. In his senior season, he hauled in 45 catches for 791 yards, helping the Trojans to a 7-5 regular-season record and a Holiday Bowl victory over Louisville. At 6-foot-3, he has the size and pedigree to make an impact—but consistency has eluded him at the NFL level.
Now, with a fresh start in Green Bay, Rice has a chance to carve out a role and perhaps channel some of his father's Hall of Fame magic. For a Packers team always looking to add depth at wide receiver, this low-risk move could pay off in a big way.
