The Cincinnati Bengals have signed former Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr on a one-year deal according to reports. While the former Vikings tight end had several other teams as options, he chose the Bengals for a chance to compete for a Super Bowl. The team adds another weapon for Joe Burrow and a tight end that is also a capable blocker as well. Smith was a key feature of the Vikings’ offense when he was healthy. With the team trading for tight end TJ Hockenson, it made sense the two sides would part ways.
Tight end Irv Smith, Jr. has agreed to a 1 year deal with the Bengals, per source. @nflnetwork @gmfb @NFLonFOX
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 28, 2023
This past season despite some injuries, Irv Smith Jr caught 25 passes for 182 yards and two touchdowns on 36 targets. In their Wild Card loss to the New York Giants, Smith Jr caught one pass three yards and one touchdown on two targets. It will be interesting to see how Smith Jr and Burrow establish their connection next season. Title windows in the NFL are often small ones, and the Bengals plan to fully capitalize on their window. Getting past teams in the AFC will not be easy and the team needs to stock up on firepower to win. Smith Jr could help the team moving forward with their goal.
