The Green Bay Packers are expected to sign 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith, a defensive lineman out of Michigan, to the team's practice squad, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Smith was in Green Bay for a tryout on Monday.
The Dallas Cowboys made Smith the 26th overall pick in the 2023 draft. He spent three seasons in Dallas, playing in 37 regular season games, before the Cowboys traded him to the New York Jets in the Quinnen Williams deal during the 2025 season. He was released by the Jets at final cuts this year and spent the first part of the 2026 season on the practice squad of the Miami Dolphins. After appearing in one game for Miami, Smith was released by the Dolphins on Oct. 13.
in 2024, Smith was a full-time starter for the Cowboys,
playing 526 defensive snaps. He produced eight pressures and 20 stops but graded out very poorly against the run and as a pass-rusher, per PFF. Smith has 20 career starts across four NFL seasons.
Listed as 6-3 and 337 pounds, Smith is a traditional nose tackle type. While his pro career hasn't gotten off the ground despite three different stops, the Packers are hoping the pieces can start coming together for Smith in Green Bay.
The Packers need the additional depth along the defensive line. Javon Hargrave, Warren Brinson and Jonathan Ford are all on injured reserve, leaving only four active defensive linemen on the 53-man roster: Devonte Wyatt, Karl Brooks, Chris McClellan and Anthony Campbell. Smith could be a potential elevation candidate in the coming weeks. The Packers are also expecting to return Jordon Riley from the PUP list either this week or the next.
Smith will join rookie David Blay Jr. as the two defensive linemen on the Packers practice squad.
The Packers have a 17-player practice squad as of Monday, so a corresponding roster move will be required before Smith is officially signed.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers signing former first-round pick Mazi Smith to practice squad
