Saints Eye Brenden Rice: Jerry Rice’s Son Could Fill Size Void in WR Corps

Saints Eye Brenden Rice: Jerry Rice’s Son Could Fill Size Void in WR Corps

The New Orleans Saints are once again in the headlines, and this time it’s not because of a quarterback controversy or a high-profile contract debate. Instead, the franchise has turned its attention to wide receiver Brenden Rice, the son of legendary Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Reports confirm that the Saints have invited Rice for a workout, a move that signals both strategic intent and a nod to football lineage.

For the Saints, the timing of this development is no coincidence. Their current wide receiver depth chart, while loaded with speed and talent, lacks the physical size and strength that can tilt matchups. With Devaughn Vele sidelined by injury and Chris Olave standing as the tallest active receiver at just 6 feet, New Orleans has been searching for a bigger-bodied option. At 6-foot-2 and weighing 208 pounds, Brenden Rice offers the kind of physical presence the team believes could add balance and versatility to its passing attack.

Rice’s Journey to the NFL

Brenden Rice entered the NFL with high expectations, largely due to his name and his standout collegiate career at USC. During his 2023 season with the Trojans, Rice posted 791 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, becoming one of quarterback Caleb Williams’ most trusted red-zone targets. His combination of size, reliable hands, and body control made him a nightmare for smaller defensive backs.

Despite his productivity, Rice slid into the later rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft, eventually landing with the Los Angeles Chargers as a seventh-round pick. Unfortunately, his rookie season did not go as planned. With a crowded Chargers receiving corps and limited opportunities to prove himself, Rice found himself on the outside looking in. By the end of the year, he was released, leaving his NFL future in doubt.

Now, the Saints are providing him with a second chance. And while he may no longer be a wide-eyed rookie, Rice arrives with something perhaps more valuable: perspective.

Why the Saints Need Him

The Saints’ passing game has been heavily dependent on route-running precision and speed, primarily through Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. While both have proven capable of stretching the field, New Orleans has lacked a true physical target who can battle for contested catches, particularly in third-down and red-zone situations.

This deficiency became even more glaring after the injury to Devaughn Vele, who was expected to bring size and toughness to the WR group. Without him, the Saints risk becoming too one-dimensional. Enter Brenden Rice—a player who not only brings the frame to compete with NFL defensive backs but also carries a chip on his shoulder as he tries to carve out his own identity apart from his father’s legacy.

The Jerry Rice Factor

Of course, any conversation about Brenden Rice cannot ignore the shadow of Jerry Rice, widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. While Brenden has acknowledged the weight of the name, he has consistently emphasized his desire to create his own path.

Still, the narrative of Jerry’s son donning a Saints uniform adds a layer of intrigue. The NFL is no stranger to football bloodlines, but few names resonate as powerfully as “Rice.” For fans, the possibility of watching another Rice haul in passes—this time in black and gold—carries undeniable sentimental appeal.

What’s at Stake for Both Sides

For Rice, the workout represents more than just another opportunity; it’s a potential lifeline to revive a career that has yet to find traction. Success in New Orleans could reshape his reputation from being “Jerry’s son who didn’t make it” to a reliable role player in the NFL.

For the Saints, the risk is minimal but the upside is substantial. If Rice can showcase the same red-zone production he flashed at USC, he could become a situational weapon almost immediately. His size also offers quarterback Derek Carr a safety blanket, particularly when defenses zero in on Olave and tight end Juwan Johnson.

Looking Ahead

It’s still uncertain whether Brenden Rice will secure a roster spot, but the Saints’ interest signals that they are committed to addressing roster gaps creatively. With the regular season approaching, the team is keen to solidify depth at every position, and Rice could prove to be the missing piece in a unit that already boasts speed and finesse.

For fans in New Orleans, the tryout is a storyline that blends strategy with nostalgia. On the field, Rice provides the physicality the team needs. Off the field, he carries one of the most iconic surnames in football. Whether he ultimately earns a spot or not, the buzz surrounding his workout has already energized Saints Nation and reignited debates about the importance of size and versatility in today’s NFL offenses.

If Brenden Rice makes the roster, it won’t be because of his last name—it’ll be because the Saints believe he can add an extra dimension to their attack. And in a league where inches often decide games, that added dimension could make all the difference.