GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers have made a savvy move, quietly re-signing offensive lineman Lecitus Smith to their practice squad, a player once drafted by their NFC rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Known for his versatility and relentless drive, Smith has been described as a “wrecking machine” on the field, and his return to Green Bay marks his third stint with the team, showcasing his resilience and determination to carve out a lasting role in the NFL.
A Journey of Perseverance
Smith’s path to this moment has been anything but straightforward. As a rookie with the Cardinals in 2022, he appeared in 10 games, starting two, and logged 209 offensive snaps. Despite showing promise, he was released at the end of Arizona’s 2023 training camp. Undeterred, Smith bounced between the practice squads of the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles that season, gaining valuable experience and refining his craft.
In 2024, the Packers gave Smith a fresh opportunity by inviting him to their rookie minicamp for a tryout. His performance was strong enough to earn a contract, and he continued to impress during training camp and the preseason, securing a spot on Green Bay’s practice squad. However, in mid-October, the New England Patriots swooped in, signing him to their 53-man roster. Smith played in eight games for New England, including one start as an extra lineman, proving his ability to compete at the NFL level.
Despite his progress, Smith faced more challenges. He was released by the Patriots before the 2025 NFL Draft and later let go by the Pittsburgh Steelers during OTAs. Yet, his persistence paid off when the Packers brought him back early in this year’s training camp, a move that left Smith and his fiancée “jumping up around the house” with excitement.
A Versatile Asset
Smith’s return to Green Bay couldn’t come at a better time. The Packers are grappling with injuries to key offensive linemen, including right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks, who were sidelined in Weeks 1 and 3 and inactive in Week 2. To bolster their depth, Green Bay promoted rookie offensive tackle Brant Banks from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, creating an opening that Smith now fills.
During the 2025 preseason, Smith showcased his versatility, playing all 72 of his snaps at center while demonstrating his ability to handle both guard positions as well. “I want to show that I can be a consistent, good football player for this team,” Smith said during training camp. “They want to see a guy that can play multiple spots – both guard spots, center, of course – and be able to do it consistently. Not high one day and low the next or no drop-off.”
This adaptability makes Smith a valuable asset for a Packers team looking to stabilize its offensive line amid injuries. His experience across multiple teams and systems, combined with his work ethic, positions him as a player who can step in and contribute when called upon.
A Bright Future Ahead
Smith’s journey mirrors that of another Packers lineman, rookie Brant Banks, whose promotion to the active roster opened the door for Smith’s return. Banks’ college coach at Middle Tennessee State, Dylan Barnett, spoke glowingly of the young tackle’s potential, words that could easily apply to Smith as well. “He is a guy with a lot of natural, God-given ability,” Barnett said of Banks. “Combined with the way he works, the way he prepares – I’ve seen him show up to work every day and he prepares the right way.”
Like Banks, Smith has shown a professional mindset and a commitment to improvement. His ability to play multiple positions and his determination to prove himself as a consistent performer make him a potential “wrecking machine” for the Packers’ offensive line. As Green Bay navigates a challenging season, Smith’s experience and versatility could be key to keeping their offense on track.
A Quiet but Impactful Move
The Packers’ decision to bring back Lecitus Smith may not have made headlines, but it’s a move that could pay dividends. With injuries testing the team’s depth, Smith’s familiarity with the system, his multi-positional skill set, and his relentless drive make him a perfect fit for Green Bay’s practice squad. As he continues to develop, this former Cardinals draft pick has a chance to make a lasting impact in Green Bay, proving that sometimes the most stunning comebacks happen quietly, one snap at a time.