Report: Patriots Sign Former Cowboys and Jets Wide Receiver

The New England Patriots decided to sign a wide receiver, and this time they are reinforcing the practice unit. The team made a bunch of changes Wednesday. First, they released linebacker Jack Cichy and added former Dallas Cowboys wideout Devin Smith and Safety Dayan Lake. The information was first confirmed by Mike Reiss from ESPN.

“The Patriots announced that LB Jack Cichy has been released, one week after claiming him on waivers. If Cichy clears waivers, it isn’t out of the question he could return on the practice squad as the team juggles spots. Also, WR Devin Smith, DB Dayan Lake signed to p-squad.”

Patriots sign wide receiver three weeks before the end of the season

Smith is an interesting option from Ohio State. He had 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash and this got him drafted in the second round of the NFL draft in 2015. The New York Jets were the first team to show interest in his talent. However, Smith suffered knee injuries and had to miss a lot of time. He suffered torn ACLs in both knees and had to miss two entire seasons. The Dallas Cowboys signed him in 2019.

Smith’s knee injuries were pretty serious, but he was a big threat on the field. NFL experts are impressed with his 51-yard touchdown catch from Dak Prescott pass in 2019.

Team speed is a priority for the Patriots, and they had to address the topic. Damiere Byrd is the only Patriots receiver with above-average speed for this unit. Adding Smith is a perfect fit for the organization. Jakobi Meyers, Byrd, N’Keal Harry, Gunner Olszewski, Donte Moncrief and Julian Edelman are part of the roster, and Smith may not get a real chance with the team.

“The #Patriots are bringing in former DAL WR Devin Smith for a workout. The Jets took Smith in the 2nd round (37th overall) of the 2015 NFL Draft. Through 18 career games the @OhioStateFB product has recorded 15 catches for 248 yards and 2 TDs.”

The Patriots have three weeks remaining of the season and this is not really good for Smith.

Lake is a versatile player. He was brilliant at BYU and played with the Los Angeles Rams practice unit they cut him in September.