Bengals Signing Tight End Irv Smith Jr. to One-Year, Prove it Contract

Smith was the best remaining tight end on the free agent market.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are signing Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year contract according to Peter Schrager of NFL Network. 

Smith is still only 24-years-old, has high-end speed and could give Joe Burrow a solid veteran option at tight end. 

This makes a ton of sense for the Bengals and for Smith. He was arguably the top tight end remaining on the market. 

Smith was taken in the second round (50th overall) by the Vikings in the 2019 NFL Draft. He's flashed potential when healthy, hauling in 91 receptions for 858 yards and nine touchdowns in 37 games. 

He missed the entire 2021 season with a torn meniscus. He also missed nine games in 2022 due to an ankle injury. 

If you're Smith, why wouldn't you take a prove it deal with the Bengals? The last two starting tight ends in Cincinnati inked 3-year contracts worth $20+ million. 

Smith is the exact type of low-risk, high-reward gamble that could pay off for the Bengals. He needs to prove he can stay healthy and he'll get a chance to do that in Cincinnati with a high-powered offense led by Burrow.

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

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