Patriots Trim Roster, Release Four Players
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots have released LB Curtis Jacobs, T caleb Jones, LB Andrew Parker Jr., and C Lecitus Smith, the team announced Tuesday.
linebacker Curtis Jacobs Released After Short Stint
Curtis Jacobs, 23, joined the Patriots after being claimed off waivers from Kansas City on Aug. 27. The 6-foot-1, 241-pound linebacker initially signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in May. During the 2024 season, Jacobs participated in nine games, starting in two. he recorded one defensive tackle and three special teams tackles before being placed on injured reserve Nov. 19.
Offensive Tackle Caleb Jones Cut After Futures Contract
Caleb Jones, 26, a massive 6-foot-9, 370-pound tackle, was signed to New England’s practice squad on Sept. 3. Jones entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Green Bay in 2022. He spent time on the Packers’ active roster that season before being released on Aug. 27,2024. Jones had signed a futures contract with the Patriots on Jan. 6,2025,before being released.
Linebacker Andrew Parker Jr. Released From Practice squad
Andrew parker Jr., 24, a 6-foot, 235-pound linebacker, was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad on Dec. 2.He originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent with Jacksonville on April 30. Parker also signed a futures contract with New England on Jan. 6, 2025, prior to his release.
Center Lecitus Smith Released After Playing in Eight Games
Lecitus Smith, 26, was signed to the Patriots’ 53-man roster from the Green Bay practice squad on Oct. 15. The 6-foot-3, 314-pound center was initially drafted by Arizona in the sixth round (215th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. smith spent time on Houston’s and Philadelphia’s practice squads in 2023 after being released by the Cardinals. in 2024, he played in eight games for the Patriots, starting one as a tackle-eligible tight end against the new York Jets on Oct. 27.
* **What are the potential implications of these roster cuts for the Patriots’ depth at linebacker?**
Patriots Trim Roster, Release Four Players: Q&A
Key Takeaways
The New England Patriots have made several roster cuts, releasing LB Curtis Jacobs, T caleb Jones, LB Andrew Parker Jr., and C Lecitus Smith. Here’s a breakdown to clarify the moves.
Q&A
Why were these players released? What does this mean for the Patriots?
The Patriots are likely making these moves to refine their roster, evaluate talent, and potentially free up space under the salary cap. These moves often precede more notable roster decisions, such as free agency or the NFL draft.
What’s a “futures contract,” and why were Jones and Parker Jr. released after signing them?
A futures contract is a deal signed at the end of the season, extending a player’s contract into the next season. It’s a way for teams to retain players they are interested in developing. Their release suggests the Patriots found better options or the players didn’t meet expectations during the offseason.
Who is Curtis Jacobs, and why is his release notable?
Curtis Jacobs is a young linebacker who briefly played for the Patriots after being claimed off waivers. His short tenure highlights the competitive nature of the NFL and the constant evaluation of players.
What is the significance of Lecitus Smith playing as a tackle-eligible tight end?
This indicates Smith’s versatility, which is valuable in the NFL. It allows the team to create mismatches or surprise the defense with unexpected formations. This is frequently enough a strategy used to get the team’s big men involved in the passing game.
What’s next for these players?
Released players can be claimed by other teams through waivers, or they can become free agents. They’ll likely seek opportunities to join other teams or be invited to training camps.
In Conclusion
The Patriots roster is always evolving. Stay tuned for more updates as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
