Rams' last-minute preseason signing comes from familiar source

It may seem like an odd time for the Los Angeles Rams to be signing players. With preseason on the doorstep, no player can get up to speed quickly enough to pry a roster spot from a more well-established teammate. But former UFL linebacker Monty Rice will give it a try.

After taking Rice in the draft, the UFL's Louisville Kings released him before he played a down. He previously spents five seasons in the NFL with the Titans, Patriots, and Lions. Originally drafted 92nd overall by the Tennessee in 2021, Rice has appeared in 39 games and started 11.

Versatility and special-teams experience are strengths for Rice. While he may struggle to survive roster cutdowns, he is an ideal addition to carry LA's defense through the preseason crunch. He can line up at the edge or behind defensive linemen. And he has enough NFL experience that he can be expected to plug in and immediately contribute.

Monty Rice is perfectly suited for limited Rams role

While anything is possible, his chances of landing anything more than a practice-squad spot are remote. Even the practice squad would be a steep climb for Rice, due to his late arrival. But he can change his fortunes with a solid showing at practice and in preseason games.

If you haven't noticed, the UFL has supplied several recent signings for Rams general manager Les Snead. He signed kicker Harrison Mevis midway through the 2025 season in a desperate effort to right the ship on special teams. Mevis would miss only one field goal in his 19 attempts (including the playoffs). This offseason, LA also added ex-UFL defensive back Alex Cook.

With preseason arriving, the Rams needed additional depth at linebacker. Starters Nate Landman and Omar Speights were never going to play in the preseason. And it seems likely the team has seen enough from veterans Shaun Dolac and Grant Stuard to grant them roster spots.

That left just Elias Neal, Nikhai Hill-Green, and Daniel Rickert to handle preseason work. Rice now joins them in the nick of time for today's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

As always, thanks for reading.

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