Patriots Make Flurry Of Roster Moves At Extremely Thin Position

The New England Patriots turned their starting center job over to Ben Brown on Sunday just days after he joined the team.

And after releasing center Nick Leverett, who started in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins, on Monday, the Patriots now have a backup at the critical position.

The Patriots announced Tuesday they signed Lecitus Smith to the 53-man roster off the Green Bay Packers practice squad. The 6-foot-3, 314-pound offensive lineman has yet to play in a game this season but did make 10 appearances, including two starts, with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. Smith also has experience playing guard.

Signing the 26-year-old Smith showcases the revolving door that has been New England’s offense line this season. The Patriots have started a handful of tackles already and Brown became the third center to start for New England. Brown impressed in his debut by not allowing a pressure on rookie quarterback Drake Maye, per Pro Football Focus.

The Patriots turning to Brown at the center spot was due to a season-ending shoulder injury to David Andrews in Week 4. Mayo and the rest of the coaching staff certainly didn’t think Leverett was the answer at the position.

Adding Smith wasn’t the only roster move the Patriots made Tuesday. They also signed cornerback Miles Battle to the practice squad and made room for him by releasing center Sincere Haynesworth.