In a surprising move, the New England Patriots have parted ways with former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Monty Rice as part of their roster cuts to reach the NFL-mandated 53-man roster limit. The decision, announced on Friday, August 22, 2025, saw Rice among 14 players released, sending shockwaves through the Patriots’ fanbase and leaving the talented linebacker searching for his next opportunity in the NFL.
Monty Rice’s professional career has been a rollercoaster since being selected in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. During his three-year stint with the Titans, Rice struggled with injuries and inconsistent production, which ultimately led to his waiver on December 5, 2023. Despite showing flashes of potential, he was unable to cement a consistent role in Tennessee’s defense.
The New Orleans Saints quickly claimed Rice off waivers the following day, hoping to tap into his athleticism and college pedigree. However, Rice’s time with the Saints was short-lived, as he failed to secure a spot on their active roster and was released during final roster cuts in 2024. The Atlanta Falcons offered Rice a lifeline by signing him to their practice squad on August 30, 2024, but his tenure there was brief, ending with another release in October 2024.
The Patriots, known for taking chances on players with untapped potential, signed Rice to their practice squad on November 5, 2024. He was promoted to the active roster on December 27, 2024, and appeared in three games for New England. Unfortunately, Rice struggled to find his footing in the Patriots’ defensive scheme, failing to make the impact expected of a player with his college credentials. His release on Friday marks the latest chapter in a career marked by frequent transitions and missed opportunities.
Rice’s struggles in the NFL stand in stark contrast to his stellar college career at the University of Georgia. Over four years with the Bulldogs, Rice established himself as a reliable and instinctive linebacker, amassing 219 tackles, including a team-leading 89 in the 2020 season. That year, he was the heartbeat of a formidable Georgia defense, earning recognition as the co-winner of the team’s Vince Dooley Defensive MVP award for his exceptional tackling ability and leadership on the field.
His anticipation, physicality, and football IQ made him a standout, and many expected him to translate that success to the professional level. However, injuries and roster competition have hindered his ability to replicate his college dominance in the NFL.
With his release from the Patriots, Rice now finds himself at a crossroads. At just 26 years old, the former Bulldog still has time to revive his career and prove he belongs in the NFL. His athleticism and college tape suggest he has the tools to succeed, but he’ll need to find the right system and stay healthy to unlock his potential.
One possibility is a return to the Patriots’ practice squad, where he could continue to develop and potentially earn another shot at the active roster. Alternatively, Rice’s availability is likely to attract interest from other NFL teams in need of linebacker depth, particularly those familiar with his skill set from his time at Georgia or his brief stints with other franchises.
As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on Monty Rice to see where he lands next. Will he find a new home and finally showcase the talent that made him a star in Athens? Or will he continue to face the challenges of a competitive league? For now, the former Bulldogs standout is back on the market, ready to write the next chapter of his football journey.