The Green Bay Packers have lost an offensive lineman, as center/guard Lecitus Smith has signed with the New England Patriots from the Packers’ practice squad and will now join the Patriots’ 53-man roster.
Smith had been mentioned as a potential option to bolster New England’s offensive line, and with former Packers executive Eliot Wolf now overseeing player personnel for the Patriots, the move aligns with their needs. Additionally, the Patriots have former Packers offensive tackle Caleb Jones on their practice squad.
The Packers initially brought Smith on board in May to compete for a roster spot. He performed well during the preseason, mostly playing with the third-string unit, but didn’t make the final roster and was signed to the practice squad. Now, he has a new opportunity in New England.
Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2022, has previously played for the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans, and Philadelphia Eagles. He appeared in 10 games with the Cardinals in 2022.
The Packers lack significant depth on the interior offensive line, with starters Elgton Jenkins, Josh Myers, and Sean Rhyan, and rookie Jordan Morgan rotating at right guard. Beyond that, they have fifth-round center Jacob Monk and undrafted rookie Donovan Jennings.
To address Smith’s departure, the Packers signed rookie offensive tackle Spencer Rolland, an undrafted player out of the University of North Carolina who spent his first NFL training camp with the Minnesota Vikings.
