Bengals sign free agent tight end Irv Smith Jr. to one-year deal
The Cincinnati Bengals strike close to midnight again with their latest free agent signing. Per NFL Media's Peter Schrager, the Bengals are signing free agent tight end Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year deal. Smith, a second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings from the 2019 NFL Draft, played 39 games (including postseason action) for the […]
The Cincinnati Bengals strike close to midnight again with their latest free agent signing.
Per NFL Media's Peter Schrager, the Bengals are signing free agent tight end Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year deal.
Smith, a second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings from the 2019 NFL Draft, played 39 games (including postseason action) for the Purple and Gold in three seasons. In his first two years, the former Alabama pass-catcher caught 79 receptions for 715 yards and seven touchdowns. 2020 was Smith's best year as he averaged 1.3 yards per route run and had a receiving grade of 75.4 from Pro Football Focus.
2021 was a lost year for Smith as he tore his meniscus in the preseason finale. He came back for 2022, his season was cut short in November due to an ankle injury.
Injuries are the main reason why Smith dropped out of favor in Minnesota to T.J. Hockenson, whom the team traded for in the middle of last season. The Vikings also signed Josh Oliver to a surprising three-year. $21 million deal this free agency, solidifying Smith's fate with the team.
For the Bengals, Smith makes perfect sense. He immediately becomes the offense's No. 1 tight end after the departure of Hayden Hurst. Cincinnati has yet to re-sign either Drew Sample or Mitchell Wilcox, and it doesn't seem like they're on their way back any time soon.
Smith may be the Bengals' best option for now, but they'll continue to address the tight end position in the upcoming NFL Draft. They met with several of the top prospects at the NFL Scouting Combine, and the class is strong enough to warrant at least one selection.
Regardless of how the Draft turns out, this is a great opportunity for Smith to re-up his value next year on the open market. This is exactly what Hayden Hurst did in Cincinnati last season, and he got a three-year deal on the first day of legal tampering.
Smith is still just 24 years old, and has a second-round pedigree attached to his name. One good season with Joe Burrow as his quarterback, and he'll be back on the market looking for a bag in his mid-20s.
This is a win-win signing for all parties involved.
