Seattle Seahawks Sign Rising WR and Son of Hall of Fame 3x Super Bowl Legend Jerry Rice. A Move Head Coach Mike Macdonald Deems Crucial for the Team’s Push Back Into the Super Bowl Race

The Seattle Seahawks made a quiet but strategically significant move during a pivotal stretch of the season by officially signing Brenden Rice, a rising wide receiver and son of Hall of Fame legend Jerry Rice, to their practice squad. Although the transaction appears modest on the surface, internal evaluations indicate that this decision could be essential in keeping Seattle steady in its push toward a return to the Super Bowl race.

The Seahawks are facing a serious shortage of wide receiver depth. Dareke Young is on IR. Tory Horton recently missed the matchup against the Rams due to a shin injury. and practice squad receiver Tyrone Broden was just placed on IR as well. These setbacks have made the WR unit thinner than ever. forcing head coach Mike Macdonald to make an immediate personnel move before the team risks losing competitive stability.

Brenden Rice enters Seattle with a name full of legacy. yet his NFL journey has been physically and mentally challenging. Drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Rice appeared in only three games during his rookie season and recorded zero receiving yards. After being waived in August 2025. he spent a short stint with the New England Patriots practice squad before being released earlier this month.

Even so. Seattle saw more than just his limited stat line. The Seahawks recognized the talent that once made Rice a projected mid-round pick — a big frame. strong red-zone instincts. and the production that led USC with 12 receiving touchdowns in the 2023 season. During his time catching passes from Caleb Williams. Rice displayed reliable route running. physicality. and composure in tight coverage.

This signing isn’t about flash — it’s about structure. It’s about durability. It’s about making sure Seattle’s offense doesn’t lose momentum while navigating injuries at a critical moment in the season.

Head coach Mike Macdonald expressed his belief in the addition and delivered a strong message about what Rice brings to the team:

“We need people who are ready to compete, ready to fight, and ready to prove themselves — and in Brenden, I see a spirit that refuses to back down, the kind of player who can make a difference right when the season turns brutal, when only the truly resilient teams are still standing in the long race.”

Rice will begin on the practice squad. but the door to the active roster remains wide open. With the team’s injuries at WR. a string of impressive practices could quickly push him into competition with Jake Bobo or Cody White for a depth role.

Seattle still leans on its starting trio of Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Cooper Kupp. and Rashid Shaheed. but to enter January with real momentum. the team must be prepared for every scenario. And Brenden Rice — with his pedigree. hunger. and timing — may very well become the quiet but crucial piece that helps the Seahawks stay alive in their pursuit of Super Bowl contention.