Tennessee Titans Waive LB Monty Rice in Surprising Roster Move

The Tennessee Titans have parted ways with third-year linebacker Monty Rice on Tuesday in a somewhat surprising move at this stage of the season.

The Tennessee Titans made a bit of a surprising move on Tuesday when they parted ways with Monty Rice. The third-year linebacker out of Georgia was waived by the team after playing 23 snaps in Week 13's loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

The #Titans have waived linebacker Monty Rice.

READ https://t.co/C7ggPL2K4L pic.twitter.com/VSdS7e54v5

— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) December 5, 2023

Rice was taken in the third round in 2021 and had veterans ahead of him his rookie year, but after he saw some playing time late in 2022, Rice was expected to be a starter heading into 2023 training camp. 

That didn't happen though as Rice's job next veteran Azeez Al-Shaair was taken from him by Jack Gibbens, an undrafted free agent in his second year. Due to Rice losing out in the competition, his snaps this year have been limited. 

Rice has played in every game this year, but only played 86 snaps on defense while playing 184 on special teams. Rice's diminished role has led to a lack of production as well with the linebacker only registering 26 tackles on the year.

Rice had been playing more as of late though, rotating in every few series. Rice played only six defensive snaps through the first eight games of the year, but played 19 or more from Week 10 through Week 12. That snap count dropped to nine defensive snaps in Week 13 though, prompting the move to waive Rice.

Rice falls in a long line of failed draft picks for former general manager Jon Robinson. Looking at the 2020, 2021 and 2022 draft classes from Robinson is not for the faint of heart and Rice's release is just another reminder of how much this roster has fallen apart due to those classes.

Rice appeared to be happy to be release. He took to social media and seemed relieved to be parting ways with the team. Based on the move and some of the comments Mike Vrabel has had about Rice in the past, it appears the feeling is mutual.

Titans-Colts Related Stories

• WEEK 12 TITAN UP, TITAN DOWN: The Tennessee Titans had some disaster moments against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13, but there were a lot of good moments mixed in as well leading to a diverse list of winners in losers in this week's Titan Up, Titan Down. CLICK HERE
• VRABEL FIRES AUKERMAN: The Tennessee Titans saw some disastrous moments against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 13 including two blocked punts and injuries to their three top players in Jeffery Simmons, Derrick Henry and Ryan Stonehouse. Mike Vrabel gave updates on all those on Monday, including firing special teams coach Craig Aukerman. CLICK HERE
• VRABEL SPEAKS AFTER LOSS: Special teams blunders and big plays allowed on defense made it hard for the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, and they let one slip away in a 31-28 overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts. CLICK HERE