The Green Bay Packers have established themselves as one of the NFL’s top teams when it comes to identifying and developing offensive linemen. They have a knack for uncovering talent in the later rounds of the draft or even among undrafted free agents, with many of these players going on to become long-term starters.
This season, their offensive line will feature Aaron Banks, a free-agent signing from the San Francisco 49ers. This marks a shift for Green Bay, as they have traditionally built their offensive line with players they drafted themselves in recent years.
In 2016, the Packers signed Lucas Patrick as an undrafted free agent. Despite not being selected in the draft, he ended up having a longer tenure with the team than all but two of their actual draft picks that year—Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry.
Now, as he enters his 10th NFL season, Patrick has moved on to play for a new team.
Former Green Bay Packers Offensive Lineman Lucas Patrick Has Signed with the Cincinnati Bengals
After spending five seasons with the Packers, Lucas Patrick played two years with the Chicago Bears before heading south to New Orleans, where he spent the last two seasons.
Now, he is returning to the north, this time joining the AFC North as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.
Cincinnati has recently made waves by investing heavily in its top two wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase, who secured the wide receiver Triple Crown in 2024 by leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, now holds the title of the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, earning over $40 million per season.
With massive contracts allocated to Chase, Higgins, and star quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals have limited financial flexibility to pursue top-tier free agents.
Patrick, a seasoned veteran, played only 11 games last season due to injury. While his experience and durability over the years are commendable, some fans remain skeptical about the signing.
Cincinnati Bengals Fans Do Not Want Former Green Bay Packers Lineman Lucas Patrick to Start
Despite their wealth of offensive talent, the Bengals have struggled with one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL for years. While fans see Lucas Patrick as a solid depth addition, many are concerned about the prospect of him being a full-time starter.
The positive for Cincinnati is that Patrick brings versatility, having experience at both guard spots and center. He can be plugged into any interior line position and would still be an improvement over last year’s unit.
However, as fans point out, he isn’t a long-term solution.
That said, it’s remarkable that a player who entered the league through a rookie camp tryout with the Packers is now preparing for his tenth NFL season—an achievement few players reach.
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