The Green Bay Packers have officially lost offensive lineman Lecitus Smith, who was a part of their practice squad, to the New England Patriots.

The move comes as the Patriots look to bolster their offensive line depth, a critical area for improvement as the season progresses. Smith, who joined the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2022, is now expected to contribute to the Patriots’ offensive line unit.

Smith, a versatile offensive lineman, had shown promise during his time with the Packers but remained on the practice squad throughout most of his tenure.

After being waived by the Packers earlier this season, he had continued to develop with the practice squad. His departure to New England represents an opportunity for him to earn a spot on a 53-man roster, something that will be critical for his long-term prospects in the NFL.

Background and Development

Lecitus Smith played college football at Virginia Tech, where he was known for his powerful play and versatility along the offensive line. He was a standout at guard, showcasing his strength, athleticism, and ability to protect the quarterback.

Though Smith went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Packers saw potential in his raw talent, and they quickly signed him to their practice squad, hoping to develop him into a future contributor.

During his time in Green Bay, Smith worked closely with the team’s coaching staff to improve his technique and adapt to the NFL’s speed and physicality.

His dedication on the practice squad was notable, but with the Packers already having a number of established offensive linemen on their active roster, the path to playing time remained a challenge for him.

Patriots’ Need for Depth

The Patriots, under head coach Bill Belichick, have always valued depth on the offensive line, and Smith’s addition is likely a result of their ongoing efforts to secure more protection for quarterback Mac Jones.

New England’s offensive line has faced some struggles this season, and adding a young, promising talent like Smith could give them the flexibility to rotate and improve the line’s overall performance.

Smith’s size and mobility make him an ideal candidate to play multiple positions on the line, which is an asset for any team looking to add depth and flexibility.

If he can adapt quickly to New England’s system, he may even have the chance to earn a starting spot in the near future.

What’s Next for the Packers

For the Packers, Smith’s departure means they will need to look for other options to bolster their offensive line depth. While the team has a solid offensive front, losing a developmental player like Smith will necessitate finding another young player or potentially signing a veteran to fill the void.

Green Bay’s coaching staff will likely evaluate other practice squad options or explore the free-agent market to ensure they have sufficient depth should injuries or other challenges arise.

In the meantime, Lecitus Smith’s move to the Patriots signals a new chapter in his NFL career, as he aims to make an impact on a different team.

The Packers will be left to reflect on the potential that Smith showed while developing under their tutelage, but now, it’s up to the young lineman to prove his worth in New England.