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Former Alabama TE Irv Smith signs one-year deal with Bengals

Originally posted on Touchdown Alabama Magazine
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated 3/28/23

O.J. Howard found a new home in the National Football League, but now Alabama fans see another former tight end for the Crimson Tide follow suit.

Irv Smith Jr., a four-star in Alabama’s 2016 class from New Orleans, La., inks a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Peter Schrager, a Senior National Writer for FoxSports.com and Good Morning Football host, reported the news Monday night — citing sources. Smith joins Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins to create a very explosive offense.

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

A good sign for how far the Bengals have come… Irv Smith, Jr. had multiple offers and chose to play for Cincinnati over the rest because of Burrow, Chase, Higgins, and an opportunity to win.

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 28, 2023

He got selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings.

In four seasons, Smith totaled 88 receptions for 844 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder was an athletic playmaker for the Crimson Tide from 2016 to 2018. He exploded with a dominant year in 2018, catching 44 passes for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. Smith played on two Southeastern Conference Championship teams (2016, 2018) and a College Football Playoff National Championship team in 2017. He earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2018.

This article first appeared on Touchdown Alabama Magazine and was syndicated with permission.

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