The New England Patriots are going to have battles all over the field once training camp officially begins next week. Mike Vrabel and his staff are going to see who the best 53 men are, and it starts with these battles on the field.
Some guys have edges over others, which is why training camp will allow players to separate from each other. Linebacker is going to be one of the most interesting ones to watch this summer, and Monty Rice could end up being released in the coming weeks.
Monty Rice Could Be on the Chopping Block for Patriots
Rice was drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans before getting waived in 2023. He then briefly landed with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons ahead of signing with the New England Patriots.
Rice ended up suiting up in three games (1 start) for the Pats, logging one tackle in those outings. The Georgia product is only on a one-year, $1.055 million deal, and with the talent in the LB room, he has a massive uphill climb to stick on the roster.
In March, the Patriots signed Robert Spillane on a three-year, $33 million deal, and he's already looking like a terrific addition. They also brought back Christian Elliss on a two-year, $13.5 million contract.
That's without mentioning Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai, Anfernee Jennings, and K'Lavon Chaisson as depth options at linebacker. This collection of players who have shown more promise and potential on the field compared to Rice.
The 26-year-old has 129 total tackles and five TFLs in his NFL career. While he was a solid depth option at LB in Tennessee, he has dealt with injuries to his ankle and Achilles that have limited his availability. His history with Vrabel from their time with the Titans certainly helps him, but that won't mean much if he's getting outperformed.
Spillane, Tavai, and Jennings all have nice starting experience under their belt with Elliss owning the tools that make him an intriguing option.
That doesn't leave much space left on the roster, and Rice will need an amazing training camp to climb the depth chart and latch onto a roster spot.