The trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the New England Patriots are viewed as a potential buyer this year. They are an ascending young football team with an elite quarterback under center and plenty of money to spend.

Rice is the younger of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s two sons. He joins John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb as receivers on New England’s practice squad. The 23-year-old Rice spent training camp with the Chargers, who drafted him in the seventh round in 2024. He was waived at the end of August as part of the team’s final roster cuts.