A member of the 2021 Tennessee Titans draft class is now with the New England Patriots. The team announced the addition of linebacker Monty Rice to their practice squad just as the NFL trade deadline passed on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Rice, 25, was selected by the Titans in the third round (No. 92 overall) under former general manager Jon Robinson and head coach Mike Vrabel. The Georgia product, who earned first-team All-SEC honors during his college career, spent three seasons with Tennessee. Over 35 games, including 10 starts, he recorded 128 tackles and two pass deflections.
In December, the New Orleans Saints claimed Rice off waivers, but after being cut during the 53-man roster cutdown in August, the 6-foot, 233-pound linebacker joined the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. After his release in October, Rice’s NFL career includes 631 defensive snaps and 412 special teams snaps.
To make room for Rice on the practice squad, the Patriots released rookie center Bryan Hudson. The 23-year-old Hudson had joined the Patriots’ scout team after spending training camp with the Detroit Lions. The 6-foot-5, 301-pound undrafted free agent was elevated for one game against the Miami Dolphins last month but did not see action beyond the preseason. During his college career at Virginia Tech and Louisville, Hudson played in 60 games, starting 41, while seeing time at center, guard, and tackle.
Earlier on Tuesday, New England waived interior lineman Zachary Thomas from the 53-man roster and signed guard Tyrese Robinson off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad.
