It turns out the Cincinnati Bengals didn’t have to dip into cap space much at all to sign tight end Irv Smith Jr. in free agency.
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the one-year deal has a base value of $1.75 million with a maximum of $2 million.
That’s an incredible value for the Bengals. Smith is a high-upside player at a position of need who could very well come in and be the No. 1 tight end next year, depending on what happens during the draft.
Keep in mind that one year ago, the Bengals signed Hayden Hurst to a one-year deal worth $3.5 million, for context.
Even before knowing contract details, the signing of Smith wasn’t going to prevent bringing back other free agents like Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox, if not a rookie as early as the first round.
But seeing the details? It’s a strong move by the front office that keeps the expenses low and could potentially help the offense get even more production from the position.
New Bengals TE Irv Smith Jr.'s 1-year deal is for a base value $1.75M, with the chance to make a maximum of $2M, per source.
Nice value for Cincinnati and a really good spot for Smith to play a useful role in a high-octane passing offense.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 31, 2023
