Irv Smith Jr. got the best advice before signing with Bengals
Irv Smith Jr. doesn't just share his name with his father, he shares a career path. From 1993-99, Irv Sr. was an NFL tight end for the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, and Cleveland Browns. Irv Jr. wouldn't remember his dad playing football due to being born two years before those days ended, but […]
Irv Smith Jr. doesn't just share his name with his father, he shares a career path.
From 1993-99, Irv Sr. was an NFL tight end for the New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, and Cleveland Browns. Irv Jr. wouldn't remember his dad playing football due to being born two years before those days ended, but there's no one better to guide him through the most pivotal moment in his career thus far.
The Cincinnati Bengals should feel very grateful for that.
Smith had two offers available to him as NFL free agency hit a third week of life. One was from the Bengals, and the Miami Dolphins had the other. The Dolphins not only had a need at tight end, they roster Smith's college quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa.
No one would've blinked twice if Smith opted for South Beach, but his NFL veteran father had other ideas.
"You need to sign with Cincy. That's where you need to be. I feel it in my bones," Smith Sr. told Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson of his free agency pitch to his son. "I didn't even look at the roster. I just said that team fits you perfectly. Two amazing receivers, that (running) back they've got … that quarterback … the tight end they had is gone. You're the guy they need for that situation."
Money, location, and everything else aside, the Bengals undeniably have a lure for tight ends looking to further their careers.
Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. And when things are really clicking, Joe Mixon is a threat in the backfield.
Cincinnati has had to evolve its offense plenty over the course of Burrow's three-year career. Having continuity at the receiving corps has helped partly offset constant offensive line issues, but turnover at tight end has been manageable under head coach and offensive play-caller Zac Taylor's tenure.
Having such talent at all three receiver spots eliminates the idea of a tight end producing at an inordinate level in the offense. Smith may not put up high volume stats should he remain healthy throughout the year, but he'll consistently get open looks and opportunities to make plays with the ball in his hand.
C.J. Uzomah and Hayden Hurst averaged 65 receptions, 597 yards, and five touchdowns over the last two years (counting postseason play) in the Bengals' offense. Smith absolutely has the potential to hit those marks and enter free agency again on a high note.
