The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of holes to fill throughout the roster, although a lot of needs will be addressed in the upcoming NFL Draft. In the meantime, Pittsburgh can utilize the waiver wire to acquire some depth, which the organization did on Monday when claiming offensive guard Lecitus Smith. Smith was released by the New England Patriots on Friday, and he now lands in Pittsburgh.
New England Patriots
Lecitus Smith warming up before a game with the New England Patriots in 2024.
It was clear the Steelers would need to acquire some more depth on the interior of the offensive line during the 2025 offseason. This became especially evident after the season-ending injury suffered by right guard James Daniels. Daniels was slated to become a free agent after the 2024 season ended, and it was expected he would leave the organization. He wound up signing with the Miami Dolphins, which means second-year player Mason McCormick will be in line to be the starting right guard this season.
It is crucial the franchise has players that can provide quality play behind McCormick, and it was announced by insider Tom Pelissero on Monday that the team added Smith to the roster.
Two players the #Patriots cut recently were claimed off waivers today: Guard Lecitus Smith is headed to the #Steelers, while LB Curtis Jacobs joins the #Titans.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 24, 2025
McCormick played well during his rookie season in relief of Daniels, but it is important the organization has a backup plan. Smith has experience in the league, but he is primarily known as a left guard. He shouldn't be considered a threat to take McCormick's spot in the starting lineup, as he has had trouble staying on an active roster.
AP
Steelers' Mason McCormick smiles during a regular season game in 2024.
Smith has bounced around the league since originally being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was released by Arizona ahead of the 2023 season, and he spent time with the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Green Bay Packers before signing with New England.
He only saw actual action in Arizona and New England, but he does fit the mold of the type of offensive linemen Pittsburgh usually looks for. He can play all three positions on the interior offensive line as he has started games at both center and guard.
Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Steelers' Lecitus Smith during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
Steelers Could Keep Lecitus Smith On The Final Roster
Smith making the roster at the end of August should be considered a long shot. The guard hasn't been able to stick around anywhere throughout his NFL career, and the Steelers will probably still look to add depth on the offensive line in the draft. Smith will likely wind up on the practice squad, if he is able to make it through training camp as a whole.
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