Former Alabama Tight End Joins Super Bowl Champs
According to Adam Schefter, former Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. has found a new home, landing in Kanas City on a one-year deal to be an apprentice to the 34-year-old Travis Kelce.
No compensation for Smith Jr. has been announced yet.
After not recording a stat in his freshman year, Smith Jr. played a minor role in Alabama's 2017 national championship squad, recording 128 yards and three touchdowns.
Smith Jr. exploded onto the scene for the Crimson Tide the following season, in 2018, hauling in 44 passes for 710 yards and seven touchdowns. His stellar 2018 campaign earned him a spot on the 2018 All-SEC second team.
Smith Jr declared for the 2019 NFL draft following the season, where the Minnesota Vikings would select him with the No. 50 overall pick in the draft.
The Alabama alumni struggled to find his footing during his four years in Minnesota, racking up 858 yards and nine touchdowns over 37 games. Smith Jr. also struggled with injuries during his last two seasons with the Vikings.
Smith Jr. would sign with the Cincinati Bengals in 2023, only appearing in 12 games while recording 115 yards and one touchdown.
Signing with the Chiefs gives Smith Jr. a fresh start, and the ability to learn under arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history, Travis Kelce.
Alabama's First Spring Practice of 2024
Gallery Credit: Wyatt Fulton
DeBoer Introduction as Alabama Football Head Coach
Gallery Credit: Simon Besnoy