Jim Harbaugh Confirms Brutal Update for NFL Legend Jerry Rice’s Son on Monday

Jim Harbaugh must lock in his 53-man roster with little time left. The Chargers are staring at September with the Chiefs waiting in Week 1 after producing only two wins in the 2025 preseason. This offseason was spent adding weapons to bolster the O-line, and to no one’s shock, their receiver room is crowded with playmakers fighting for space. Yet as the noise builds, reports now suggest that Jerry Rice, the legendary and former 49ers receiver who defined twenty seasons of football dominance, was delivered news that will sting and possibly shift the narrative before the season even begins.

Reporter Ari Merov shared on X, “The #Chargers have released WR Brenden Rice — son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.” Brenden Rice had been drafted by Los Angeles in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft, chosen 225th overall. The wideout from USC was the team’s final selection that year, and his arrival had been seen as a low-risk move with potential upside.

For Rice, this cut is a crushing turn. Just last year, after hearing his name called, he admitted, “It was very frustrating, the whole draft process. But, at the same time, it was a blessing because everything can be a blessing in disguise. I prayed to go to a team that really wanted me, and God felt as though that the Los Angeles Chargers wanted me.” That belief in Harbaugh and Co. makes this release sting even more, especially since only weeks ago, camp reports praised his sharp routes and highlighted plays that hinted at real promise. But Rice should have been aware that in his sophomore year, he was looking in from the outside, and the front office was ready to send him packing.

Everyone thought Brenden Rice had his spot secured as Jerry Rice’s son, but the league does not really work like that. Injuries hampered his rookie season, and when healthy, his production failed to stand out. The practice squad may be his next stop if cut, though that option remains uncertain with roster decisions looming.

Last season, Rice lost time on the field and entered Year 2 already behind. He landed on the injured list in Week 8 of 2024, missing games starting with the Browns clash. This preseason gave him chances to shine, moments to sway Jim Harbaugh, and a final shot to fight for one of the remaining roster spots. In short, it was his one swing to change the game, and he fell short.

How is Jim Harbaugh navigating the WR position?

Jim Harbaugh enters his second season steering a roster rebuild with expectations higher than before. Following an unexpected playoff run last year, the Chargers aim to maintain their momentum. At wide receiver, the room looks stacked with playmakers such as Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith. Even so, back in July, Brenden Rice still had a shot to climb the depth chart and stake his claim.

Veteran Mike Williams has been sidelined after landing on the PUP list, leaving a gap in first-team drills. At the same time, Harris has been distracted by ongoing contract talks. That opened the door for Rice, giving him valuable snaps with the starters and a rare opportunity to demonstrate his potential in competitive settings.

The expectation remains that both Williams and Harris will return ready for Week 1 action in 2025. The window to prove himself against other receivers on the roster gives him the chance to shift opinion and strengthen his standing with the coaching staff. But unfortunately for Rice, that never translated. For Rice, the situation was close to ideal. Williams and Harris are entrenched as the primary X receivers. Jim Harbaugh is busy sketching out how the offense will look this season, and his vision holds real excitement.