Green Bay Packers Sign Mazi Smith to Practice Squad
The 25-year-old defensive player joins his fourth team in four years following a recent tryout in Green Bay.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Football
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The Green Bay Packers are adding Mazi Smith to their practice squad after the defensive player participated in a team tryout on Monday. Smith, a former first-round draft pick, joins the Packers after recent stints with the Miami Dolphins and other franchises.
Why it matters
The signing provides the Packers with additional depth on the defensive line by acquiring a former high-profile draft selection. Smith looks to revitalize his career in Green Bay after experiencing a rapid series of moves across four different NFL teams in just four years.
Mazi Smith was the No. 26 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft and spent two and a half seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. He appeared in only one game for the Miami Dolphins prior to his release.
The players
Mazi Smith
He is a 25-year-old defensive player who has played for four different NFL teams over the last four years.
Green Bay Packers
They are a professional football franchise in the NFL that competes in the NFC North division.
Dallas Cowboys
They are a professional football franchise based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex that competes in the NFC East.
Miami Dolphins
They are a professional football franchise based in the Miami metropolitan area that competes in the AFC East.
New York Jets
They are a professional football franchise based in the New York metropolitan area that competes in the AFC East.
The details
Following a tryout in Green Bay on October 19, the Packers reached an agreement to bring the 25-year-old onto their practice squad. Smith previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and spent time with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins as part of his journey through four teams since entering the league.
Timeline
Mazi Smith was selected in the 2023 NFL draft.
The Dallas Cowboys played the Green Bay Packers on October 18, 2026.
Mazi Smith visited the Packers for a tryout on October 19, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This roster move reflects the common mid-season churn of practice squad depth as teams look to bolster their ranks with experienced talent. It allows the Packers to evaluate a former first-round pick without committing to a full-time spot on the 53-man roster.
The addition of Smith provides the Packers with an experienced rotational defensive option who can be elevated to the active roster if needed. Fantasy managers and team observers should monitor whether Smith transitions to the game-day roster for future matchups.
The takeaway
Depth signings like this demonstrate how teams prioritize veteran trial opportunities mid-season to fill specific roster gaps. Players in similar situations often use the practice squad as a platform to re-establish their roles within the league.
Further reading
For more news on current roster moves, visit Green Bay Football.
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