The NFL trade deadline came without the Patriots making a big trade. However, the team did add a veteran linebacker to the mix.

On Tuesday, the Patriots signed former Tennessee Titans starter Monty Rice to their practice squad. A third-round pick in 2021, Rice played in 35 games with the Titans over the last three seasons.

A standout at Georgia, Rice made a brief impact for the Titans. As a rookie he started four of 10 games played, finishing with 36 tackles. The next season, he started six of 13 games played, finishing with a career-high 66 tackles to go with four tackles for loss. That season, Rice finished with a 73.8 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. That ranked him 37 out of 182 linebackers in the NFL.

Last season, Rice played in 12 games for Tennessee. He finished with 26 tackles. Rice only played 86 defensive snaps for the Titans in 2023 but was a core special teamer. He was released late last season where he was claimed by the Saints.

Rice was released by New Orleans at the end of training camp and spent most of this season on the Atlanta Falcons practice squad. The Falcons released him on Oct. 21.

The Patriots linebacker depth took a hit this season when they lost captain Ja'Whaun Bentley to a season-ending injury. The team has relied on Jahlani Tavai and of late, Christian Ellis. They also have Raekwon McMillan, Sione Takitaki, and Curtis Jacobs on the 53-man roster.