The 2025 NFL trade deadline is just hours away, and teams around the league are making last-minute moves to improve their rosters before it's too late. The Patriots have been reportedly looking into their options at various positions, including EDGE and wide receiver, but have yet to make a trade.
There is still plenty of time, and given the recent injury to Kayshon Boutte, there has been a lot of chatter suggesting a big move for a receiver could be in the works. But until that possibility becomes reality, the team chose to sign a free agent receiver instead.
According to multiple NFL insiders, Brenden Rice, the son of NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, is signing with New England. This seems to indicate Boutte's status for next week, confirming he will miss at least one game.
Sources: The #Patriots are signing WR Brenden Rice, the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 4, 2025
The former USC star (12 TDs as a senior) spent camp with the Chargers. pic.twitter.com/sesKm6Gett
The 23-year-old was a 7th-round draft pick by the Chargers in 2024, but was never fully incorporated into their offensive game plan, despite being active for three games during his rookie season.
The Patriots had him in for a tryout before the season began, and now that they appear to be down a receiver, it made sense for them to bring in another young pass catcher for Drake Maye to potentially work with.
Brenden Rice is a solid signing for the Patriots, especially if Kayshon Boutte will be out
During his college career, which was split between Colorado and USC, Rice recorded 103 receptions for 1,674 yards and 20 touchdowns. Making him more appealing to the Patriots than that is his experience on special teams, as he also spent a lot of time as a returner, and they could certainly use that skillset moving forward.
Whether he's signed to the 53-man roster or the practice squad, Rice immediately becomes another x-receiver for Maye to utilize on game day, and his height (6'3") makes him a downfield threat, similar to that of Mack Hollins.
He could be a vital option for the immediate future with Boutte out, and even beyond that if he impresses the coaching staff. He clearly did that already with his tryout, but now he will face the ultimate test during an actual game.