Bengals Officially a Destination: Irv Smith Jr. Picked Cincinnati Over Miami

Plenty of veteran players are hoping to sign with Cincinnati.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Mar 28, 2023 8:44 PM EDT

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals are officially a destination.

After agreeing to terms with former Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. on Monday night, it became clearer than ever: veteran NFL players want to come to Cincinnati.

Whether it's Orlando Brown's agent making it clear that the top left tackle on the market would love to block for Joe Burrow or a former All-Pro like Ezekiel Elliott hoping to land on the banks of the Ohio—it's officially cool to be a Bengal.

Smith is the latest example. The 24-year-old had a chance to sign with the Dolphins. How many professional athletes in their mid-20's would love to land in Miami?

The fifth-year pro chose Cincinnati instead.

^{"I felt like Cincinnati had the best chance to win a Super Bowl," Smith told Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. "It's a great organization. Great coaching staff. (Head coach) Zac Taylor was very adamant about me coming to the team knowing what I can do to help the offense. And the proof is in the pudding at the tight end position. Having a relationship with Ja'Marr (Chase), getting to play with Joe Burrow and those guys speaks for itself. I've watched a lot of Bengals games over the years. I wanted to be a part of this opportunity to chase a ring and be a part of something special … I feel like I'm almost the missing piece to get us that Super Bowl."}

With Tua Tagovailoa and Jaylen Waddle in Miami, Smith could've re-united with his former college teammates. The Alabama product decided to join Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals instead, in hopes of winning a Super Bowl.

Chase and Smith know each other from New Orleans. The two played against each other in high school and in college. The Bengals' star wide-out was excited to see Smith join the team.

He's not the first and won't be the last veteran that comes to Cincinnati in hopes of winning a championship.

For more on the Bengals, watch the video below and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

PFF Names Joe Burrow Top Quarterback Prospect In NFL Draft Since 2020

Josh Whyle, Tyler Scott Discuss Possibly Playing For Bengals At UC Pro Day

Chidobe Awuzie Hypes Up Tyler Boyd As One Of Bengals' Top Playmakers

Free Agent Pool Slims As Bengals Face Running Back Crossroads

Bengals in the Mix for Former Cowboys Star Running Back Ezekiel Elliott

Cincinnati Bengals Film Breakdown: How Veteran Safety Nick Scott Will Fit Next To Dax Hill

Report: Bengals Re-Sign Guard Max Scharping

ESPN Names Orlando Brown Jr. Deal Second-Best NFL FA Signing Of 2023