The Kansas City Chiefs have released tight end Irv Smith Jr., as reported by Adam Schefter via X. Smith was a free-agent pickup by Brett Veach, signing a one-year deal worth up to $1.292 million, with $384,000 guaranteed and a $167,500 first-game roster bonus. However, with his release, Smith will only receive the guaranteed portion, and the Chiefs will take on that dead cap hit as the team heads into the season with just three tight ends on the roster.
Irv Smith Jr.’s Career in the NFL
Smith was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 in the second round, with the 50th overall pick. He was with the Vikings for three seasons but missed the entire 2021 season due to a torn meniscus. Smith returned the following year to play out his final season with the team, accumulating 91 receptions, 858 yards, and nine touchdowns in 37 games.
Smith became a free agent and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 30, 2023, for a one-year deal worth $1.75 million. He was named the starting tight end to begin the season. However, Smith got hit with the injury bug again in Week 3, suffering a hamstring injury that slowed his season and caused him to fall down the depth chart. He finished his time with the Bengals with 18 receptions, 115 yards, and one touchdown in 12 games.
After a single season with the Bengals, Smith became a free agent again and signed with the Chiefs on March 14.
Irv Smith Jr. with the Chiefs
Smith never had the chance to play an official game with the Chiefs, though he did participate in this year’s preseason, appearing in the final game against the Chicago Bears. He recorded four receptions for 22 yards—fairly pedestrian numbers, which mostly reflected his time with the Chiefs.
With Travis Kelce solidified as the No. 1 tight end and a strong backup in Noah Gray, Smith faced stiff competition. The newly drafted Jared Wiley, a younger and bigger tight end, also managed to edge out Smith on the depth chart, leaving him as the odd man out.
What’s Next for Irv Smith Jr.?
What’s next for Smith depends on what NFL teams are looking for. Despite his injury history, Smith is still a serviceable tight end and has been productive whenever he’s on the field. It will come down to the needs of teams around the league and whether Smith is willing to take a smaller role, which is likely necessary if he hopes to join another NFL roster before the start of the regular season.
Final Thoughts
Veach made this decision in partnership with Andy Reid and his coaching staff because they felt comfortable with the current tight end room and the depth they have in place. Despite signing Smith in hopes of him being a nice depth piece, things didn’t work out in the end. Both parties made the most of the partnership while it lasted. Now, the Chiefs can focus on finalizing their roster for another Super Bowl run while Smith looks for a new home to continue his professional career.
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