Irv Smith Jr. Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

Bengals add another weapon for Joe Burrow

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 3/29/23

The Bengals are giving QB Joe Burrow another weapon after striking a deal late Monday night.

It was announced that Cincinnati is signing TE Irv Smith Jr. to a one-year deal after losing TE Hayden Hurst to the Panthers in free agency.

Smith Jr. fills one of the few holes the Bengals still had left on their roster, and they can thank Burrow and company for the addition. He reportedly had multiple offers but chose to play for Cincinnati because of the playmakers already there and the opportunity to win.

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

The 24-year-old has struggled to stay healthy, playing in just eight games in 2022 and missing all of the 2021 season. However, when healthy, he has shown just why the Vikings selected him with their second-round pick in 2019, totaling 91 catches for 858 yards and nine touchdowns in his career.

The move won't stop the Bengals from drafting a tight end in the 2023 NFL Draft either, especially with Smith Jr.'s injury history.

It seems to be a great deal for both sides. Smith Jr. is playing on a prove-it year while Cincinnati has insurance at the tight end position heading into the draft.

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