The Tennessee Titans made a somewhat surprising move on Tuesday when the team decided to waive former third-round pick and linebacker Monty Rice.
It wasn’t surprising because Rice was playing particularly well. In fact, he had been relegated to mostly special teams duty this season after it was thought he could start going into the year.
But he did have another year left on his rookie deal after this one. Clearly the Titans didn’t feel it necessary to give him another season.
When asked about letting Rice go, head coach Mike Vrabel kept it short and sweet.
“It’s a process and it didn’t work out,” Vrabel said, per John Glennon. “I’m sure Monty will go on and have another opportunity and we’ll give other guys opportunities here.”
Vrabel succinct on cutting Monty Rice: pic.twitter.com/sbBqAT9mgr
— John Glennon (@glennonsports) December 6, 2023
Rice, who had some parting words for the Titans on his way out the door, has since been claimed by the New Orleans Saints, where he’ll look to revive his career.
With Rice gone, now half of the eight picks the Titans made in the 2021 draft are off the team. Those left include Caleb Farley, Dillon Radunz, Elijah Molden and Rashad Weaver.
Taking Rice’s spot on the roster is undrafted free-agent signing and linebacker, Otis Reese, who was promoted to the active roster on Wednesday.
He’s likely one of the guys Vrabel is talking about when he discussed giving other players opportunities. Along with Rice, the Titans have starters Azeez Al-Shaair and Jack Gibbens, and special teamers Luke Gifford and Joseph Jones left at the position.
Tennessee also has newly-signed linebacker JoJo Domann on the practice squad.
