The New England Patriots signed offensive lineman Lecitus Smith off the practice squad of the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday.
Smith signed with the Packers on May 6, spent all of training camp with the team and returned on the initial practice squad after final cuts.
Smith, who was a sixth-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2022 draft, is getting an opportunity on the 53-man roster of the Patriots. NFL teams can sign players off the practice and onto 53-man rosters.
Smith played 123 preseason snaps for the Packers. He was on the field for 82 snaps at left or right guard and 41 snaps at center. Pro Football Focus charted him allowing four pressures, including a sack. The Packers liked his versatility on the interior of the offensive line.
Smith played in 10 games and made two starts with the Cardinals in 2022.
This is the second time a player has been signed off the Packers practice squad this season. Rookie tight end Messiah Swinson was signed by the Carolina Panthers before Week 1, but he’s signed returned to Green Bay after being released.