The Cincinnati Bengals have arguably the best receiving unit in the NFL, but they found a way to make it this off-season by adding former Alabama and Minnesota Vikings tight end, Irv Smith Jr. Smith is an upgrade from their 2022 TE room which was led by Hayden Hurst, who appeared in 13 games and recorded 52 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns. Hurst departed this off-season to go play with Bryce Young in Carolina.

Smith spent the first four years of his career with the Vikings, but mid-way through the 2022 season, Minnesota traded for Pro Bowl TE, TJ Hockenson. Smith had previously been a second-round pick of the Vikings, but will now get to join a roster that is in the midst of its Super Bowl window and will have a chance at consistent production.

He missed the 2021 season with a torn meniscus, but in his three other years in the NFL, Smith has posted 91 catches for 858 yards and nine touchdowns. There are still a lot of things to be excited about with Smith as a player, he just needs to find a chance at constant production, and I believe he has that with the Bengals.

In fact, Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow, is already impressed by what he has seen of Smith this far going on to say, “Irv, first of all, he’s upstairs all day every day learning the offense, watching tape with [tight ends coach] James Casey. So that’s exciting to hear. And he’s looking smooth — big, strong, athletic, smooth hands. So we’re excited to have that guy.”

Roll Tide Wire will continue to monitor Irv Smith Jr. and his tenure with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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