Chiefs to add 25-year-old TE as potential Travis Kelce successor

Quiet early in free agency, the Chiefs will add a piece to their offense. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the two-time reigning Super Bowl champions are bringing in former Vikings and Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr.

A second-generation NFL tight end, Smith has been unable to find consistency as a pro. Multiple teams have given the former Alabama pass-catcher opportunities, however, and Chiefs pickups have resulted in a host of recent free agents collecting Super Bowl rings. Smith will join a Kansas City threepeat push.

Despite being a five-year veteran, Smith is only 25. A 2019 second-round pick, Smith has been unable to establish himself as a trusted receiving option. The Bengals’ flier on Smith produced only 18 receptions for 115 yards. Smith has not topped 300 yards in a season since 2020, when he notched a career-high 365 alongside Kyle Rudolph in Minnesota.

Injuries dogged Smith in Minnesota. He missed the 2021 campaign due to a knee injury and did not contribute much to the Vikings’ 2022 NFC North title, sustaining a high ankle sprain — an injury that played a role in Minnesota trading for T.J. Hockenson at the 2022 deadline. With the Bengals moving to Mike Gesicki, the Chiefs will gauge Smith’s form alongside one of the best to do it.

As Travis Kelce enters his age-35 season — the superstar talent's 12th NFL slate — the Chiefs still have their top wingman (Noah Gray) rostered. Blake Bell, however, played out a one-year contract last season.