It has been a while since the New England Patriots have made a transaction. The team’s last personnel move happened in late November when running back Rex Burkhead was activated to the 53-man roster off the injured reserve list and offensive lineman Matt Tobin released to make room for him. However, the Patriots will soon make another move after one practice squad spot suddenly opened up.
Yesterday, the team lost practice squad offensive tackle Eric Smith to the New York Jets’ active roster. Smith has been a member of the Patriots’ scout team since early in the season: after the Miami Dolphins — who originally signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2017 — released him during final roster cuts, he found his way to New England. Now, he moves up to an active roster and from making $20,000 a week to $32,647 (according to Boston Sports Journal’s Miguel Benzan).
After the move, Smith posted a farewell message on Twitter:
THANK YOU New England Patriots for allowing me to learn and grow over these last 15-16 weeks! My decision to part from your organization and loving fan base was not made with malice or any ill intentions, but rather an opportunity [to] take what I’ve learned and apply it to my future career. I appreciate all on and OFF the field activities you’ve allowed me to be apart of, and all of the kids you’ve allowed me to impact and hopefully make a difference in their lives. Best of luck to you all, see you on the other side fasho! Much love
With Smith now in New York, the Patriots have an open spot on their 10-man practice squad — a group that currently looks as follows:
TE Stephen Anderson
OL Cole Croston
QB Danny Etling
DE Trent Harris
DT Frank Herron
DE Ufomba Kamalu
LB Calvin Munson
WR Damoun Patterson
CB Jomal Wiltz
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Posted by Pats Pulpit: For New England Patriots News on Tuesday, December 18, 2018