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Green Bay Packers add former first-round pick amid defensive line injury concerns
- Story byWI Sports Heroics
- Green Bay Packers add former first-round pick amid defensive line injury concerns
The Green Bay Packers are searching for defensive line help after injuries weakened their options up front. With starting nose tackle Javon Hargrave out, veteran Chris McClellan is expected to fill the role, but Green Bay has limited depth behind him. To strengthen the rotation, the Packers have signed a former first round pick to their practice squad.
ESPN reporters Adam Schefter and Rob Demovsky announced on X, (formerly Twitter), that Green Bay has added defensive tackle Mazi Smith to its practice squad.
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Mazi Smith entered the NFL as a first-round selection by Dallas in 2023 after playing college football at Michigan. He spent two and a half seasons with the Cowboys before moving to the New York Jets last fall in the trade involving Quinnen Williams.
Mazi Smith's fit with the Green Bay Packers
Oct 6, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; The Green Bay Packers defense celebrates after safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepted a Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (not pictured) pass in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Smith finished the 2025 season with New York and also appeared for the Jets during the preseason before joining the Miami Dolphins. He now heads to Green Bay, where he will look to earn a place in the Packers' defensive line rotation.
The 25-year-old saw regular action as part of Dallas' defensive line rotation during his first two NFL seasons. His most productive year came in 2024, when he appeared in all 17 games and recorded 41 tackles and one sack. His role shrank considerably last fall, as he managed just three tackles across five appearances.
Jan 10, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; in Green Bay Packers cornerback Keisean Nixon (25) runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears an NFC Wild Card Round game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Smith lost his place in the Cowboys' defensive line rotation before Dallas traded him to New York. After stints with both the Jets and Dolphins, he now has another chance to earn playing time in Green Bay.
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With Javon Hargrave and other key defensive linemen sidelined, the Packers need reinforcements up front. Smith's ability to take advantage of the opportunity could play a major role in determining his future in the NFL.
More Packers news from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
Oct 18, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is hit as he passes by Green Bay Packers linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Ross Harried-Imagn Images
