“Niners pick him up”: Son of San Francisco 49ers legend Brenden Rice visits New Orleans Saints and not the 49ers

Brenden Rice was drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2024, an event that took place when he was at his best friend’s funeral. One rookie year down, the Chargers released him just days before the 2025 season began. When NFL Insider Ari Meirov posted the news of Rice’s release on X, fans chanted in chorus: “Niners pick him up!” Why the San Francisco 49ers? The calls were because the no-longer-a-rookie wide receiver is the son of the 49ers legend Jerry Rice, who played for the team for 15 years and won three Super Bowl Championships! However, the 49ers were not in the news as they recently acquired Skyy Moore from the Kansas City Chiefs; Instead, it is the New Orleans Saints who have shown interest in the wide receiver. How did the fans react to that? Let’s read on.On September 1, when NFL Insider Jordan Schultz posted on X: “Sources: The #Saints are working out former #Chargers WR Brenden Rice tomorrow. Rice, the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice, worked out for the #Eagles last week as well,” fans poured in their responses.One fan called the Los Angeles chapter of Brenden Rice’s life a “setback,” writing, “The one that got away??? Best to him. Success elsewhere cures setbacks.”Another fan stated, “Just a setback for the comeback.” A third observed that the “Saints trying to stock up on receivers.”A fourth fan said the New Orleans Saints need a running back and not a wide receiver, “So Jordan why is the question we all wondering, we have 5 definitely suiting up Sunday, Olave, Rashid, Vele, Cooks, Palmer, I would think a Running back we need.” A fifth fan simply questioned the move by asking, “Ok but why tho.” A sixth fan expressed good wishes for Rice: “Good luck to him hopefully he can land a spot.”Ari Meirov posted the release note of WR Brenden Rice on his X. Fans wanted the San Francisco 49ers to sign him. Check out their responses:One fan urged the 49ers, saying, “Niners pick him up.” Another referred to Rice as “Future Niner.” A third fan commented, “Niners might as well sign him.”A fourth fan expressed a wish: “49ers can do the funniest next gen reunion…” A fifth fan suggested, “How about the 49ers? legacy.” A sixth fan predicted, “Watch the Niners sign him 🤣🤣🤣🤣.” A seventh fan wrote, “49ers should claim him.” A fan predicted the 49ers for Rice, but the outcome was different: “Welcome to the niners practice squad.” Another said, “Tough cut, but wouldn’t be surprised if another team takes a shot on him. The Rice name still carries weight.” A third fan commented, “@JohnLynch49ers GET OUR GUY.” A fourth fan shared, “Time to come home!! Just like your Pops!!! BANG BANG!!🔴🟡.”A fifth fan wondered, “Chargers cut Brenden Rice, Jerry’s son! 😱 Will he shine elsewhere? 🏈.”A fan motivated Brenden by saying, “Don’t ever stop the dream bro keep pushin mayne we the same age and we don’t ever quit fighting bro facts, you got this B💯🏆.”Contrary to fans' wishes, Rice's Instagram bio reads: “Success is not inherited, it’s earned.”Brenden Rice only played three games for the Los Angeles Chargers. According to Pro Football Reference, he was listed as “inactive” for three games, and he “did not play” in the remaining 11 games.According to Rotowire, wideout Brenden Rice only recorded three catches for 32 yards in the Los Angeles Chargers’ 2025 preseason games. Rice appeared in three regular-season games in the 2024 season but failed to record any stats while playing three offensive snaps and 10 snaps on special teams.On September 2, Brenden Rice tweeted, "It’s coming🤞🏽trusssss." Looks like the Saints finally made the call. Or was it the Philadelphia Eagles? Only time will tell!One fan instantly commented, "Sorry it didn’t work out in la well be rooting for you go be great ⚡️." Another complimented, saying, "Your a beast bro⚡️⚡️." A third fan chimed in, "Stay on that grind Brenden!" A fourth fan and the only fourth comment read: "Work continues 🔥🔥🔥."Almost 20 days ago, on August 15, the wideout had tweeted, "Only God knows and he’s never wrong." This was before Rice was released from the Chargers. This X post too had only four comments. One fan said, "I really hope to see you on the field this season with the Chargers." Another fan commented, "I’m rooting for you brother." A third fan wrote, "Always ! 💯." And the only fourth comment read: "⚡️⚡️⚡️."Also Read: Deion Sanders’ ex-fiancée Tracey Edmonds doesn’t think Karrueche Tran stole him from her | NFL News - The Times of India