Following in the footsteps of an NFL legend isnât easy.
Just ask Brendan Rice.
Rice, the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, was waived Monday by the Los Angeles Chargers, per NFL Networkâs Mike Garafolo.
Rice was drafted in the seventh round (225th overall) in 2024 out of USC. He appeared in seven games as a rookie, logging three snaps on offense and 10 snaps on special teams.
The reported move comes as the Chargers trim their roster to 53 players before Tuesdayâs 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Why Did the Chargers Release Brendan Rice?
The Chargers made the playoffs in Jim Harbaughâs first season as head coach and are expected to compete again atop the loaded AFC West.
After playing Rice minimally as a rookie, the Chargers obviously werenât sure if he could contribute right away in Year 2.
The Chargersâ receiving corps already consists of Ladd McConkey, rookie second-rounder Tre Harris, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston, though they likely wonât be the only wideouts to survive final cutdowns. Harbaugh and Co. hope to fortify the talent around quarterback Justin Herbert, who threw for 3,870 yards, 23 touchdowns and only three interceptions in 2024.
Daniel Popper, who covers the Chargers for the Athletic, predicted they will also keep rookie fifth-rounder KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Derius Davis.
âThis group has felt set since Chargers signed Allen in early August,â Popper wrote. â(Jalen) Reagor was in the mix for the roster when camp started, but he suffered an injury on Day 4, and he did not return to team drills until Day 22 last week.â
Los Angeles went 11-6 and made the playoffs for only the second time in six seasons, losing 32-12 to the Houston Texans in the wild card round. They will kick off Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 5 in Brazil.
What Happens Next to Brendan Rice?
Rice may not have made the final 53-man roster, but that doesnât necessarily mean heâs out of the Chargersâ plans entirely.
Rice will now be placed on waivers, and if another team does not claim him, itâs possible he sticks around as a member of the Chargersâ practice squad.
Rice was targeted 10 times this preseason and had three catches for 32 yards, including a 7-yard reception in Saturdayâs 30-23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, his fatherâs old team.
Why is Jerry Rice an NFL Legend?
Jerry Rice is widely regarded as one of the most prolific receivers in NFL history. His illustrious career was marked by several records, including most receptions (1,549), most receiving yards (22,895), and most receiving touchdowns (197). He surpassed 1,000 yards receiving in 14 of his 20 NFL seasons.
Rice was a 10-time First Team All-Pro, 13-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1987, 1993). He won three Super Bowls with the 49ers and was MVP of Super Bowl XXIII. His 215 receiving yards that day remain a Super Bowl record.
In 2010, Rice was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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