The Detroit Lions made a notable roster adjustment ahead of their Week 2 matchup against the Chicago Bears, adding linebacker Monty Rice to the practice squad. The move, made official on September 9, also included the signing of offensive tackle Devin Cochran. To open space, the Lions released long-time linebacker Anthony Pittman, who had been with the franchise for seven seasons.
Rice arrives in Detroit as a player with both starting experience and upside, hoping to reignite his career. Drafted in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, Rice was seen early on as a promising defensive piece. He played in 35 games with 10 starts for Tennessee, showcasing flashes of athleticism and physicality. His best season came in 2022, when he recorded 66 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and one pass breakup. Unfortunately, consistency and injuries limited his ability to lock down a long-term role with the Titans.
After leaving Tennessee, Rice bounced around the league, spending brief stints on practice squads with the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, and New England Patriots. While he hasn’t had a steady home since 2023, his reputation as a capable tackler and special teams contributor has kept him on NFL radars.
For the Lions, the decision to bring Rice aboard is about adding depth and flexibility at linebacker. Detroit’s defense is dealing with injuries, and the front office clearly sees Rice as a player who can step in if needed. His special teams experience also increases his chances of earning a call-up to the 53-man roster.
The corresponding release of Anthony Pittman highlights the changing direction of the Lions’ roster. Pittman was a reliable special teamer and a local fan favorite, but at age 29, his ceiling was limited compared to Rice, who is just 25 and still in his athletic prime.
Looking ahead, Rice’s role will likely depend on how quickly he can adapt to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s system. If he shows consistency in practice, Detroit may look to elevate him on game days, especially if injuries continue to impact the linebacker rotation.
While not a headline-grabbing move, the signing of Monty Rice is a classic example of a front office finding value in overlooked players. For Rice, it’s a fresh opportunity to prove himself in Detroit, and for the Lions, it’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition as they chase success in 2025.
