The New England Patriots reduced the roster by four entering the weekend.
The organization announced the cuts of offensive tackle Caleb Jones, center Lecitus Smith and linebackers Curtis Jacobs and Andrew Parker Jr. on Friday.
Jones, 26, joined the practice squad in Foxborough shortly after its formation last September. The 6-foot-9, 370-pound bookend remained through season’s end and signed a futures contract in January. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Green Bay Packers in 2022, and began his rookie year on the practice squad prior to stints on the 53-man roster and non-football illness list. The former Indiana Hoosier was active for two games in 2023, making his NFC North debut on special teams.
Smith, 26, was signed to the active roster off Green Bay’s practice squad last October. He proceeded to see action in eight games for New England, starting one as an eligible tight end. The 6-foot-3, 314-pound interior offensive lineman out of Virginia Tech entered the NFL in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. He stands 18 appearances, including a trio of starts, into a career that has also included tours with the Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles.
Jacobs, 23, arrived at Gillette Stadium as a waiver claim following the league’s cutdown deadline last August. Originally signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2024, the 6-foot-1, 241-pound Penn State product went on to went on to appear in nine games before landing on injured reserve. His 21-day activation window opened in December. Twice starting off the edges, he recorded one tackle on defense and three tackles on special teams across a combined 159 snaps.
Parker, 24, landed on the Patriots’ practice squad as the calendar turned to December. He was retained on a futures pact after the 4-13 campaign concluded. Entering the NFL as an undrafted rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars last spring, the 6-foot, 235-pound inside linebacker was waived in advance of the 53-man roster deadline last August. He played collegiately at Arkansas and Appalachian State.
Since the league year opened, head coach Mike Vrabel, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf & Co. have added 13 veteran free agents from elsewhere around the league.