Longtime Minnesota Viking Smith Jr. Finds New NFL Home

The first wave of free agency came and went in a flash, and now the league has entered its second phase, with a slew of short-term deals for veteran free agents.

One of those veteran free agents is Irv Smith Jr., who has played the entirety of his career with the Minnesota Vikings.

His career thus far has been a disappointment given where he was drafted, and now Smith has found a new NFL home with the Cincinnati Bengals.

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Smith Jr., who was the 50th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, joins a Tight End-needy club in Cincinnati.

Per an article at ESPN.com:

Smith joins an offense looking to replace Hayden Hurst, who signed a multiyear deal with the Carolina Panthers during free agency.

The former Alabama standout joins Devin Asiasi as the primary tight ends on the roster. Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox, who were previously with the Bengals, are still free agents.

It is reportedly a one-year deal.

Over the course of his four year career, Smith Jr. has battled a slew of injuries. In four seasons, the veteran and Alabama Crimson Tide alum has compiled 858 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.

He'll have a great opportunity to regain a starting role with Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Sources: ESPN.com and Pro Football Reference (Stats)

Ten Most Disappointing Minnesota Sports Seasons

The 2021 Minnesota Twins entered the season with high expectations, but unfortunately, they've made the list of most disappointing Minnesota teams of all time.

Disappointment is a common feeling for Minnesota sports fans as the years continue. Following the NBA Championship win for Milwaukee, SportsCenter was quick to point out that Minnesota has the current longest streak of seasons without a championship appearance in the four major sports (MLB/NBA/NFL/NHL). The Minnesota Lynx also chimed in on the stat after claiming four championships since 2011.

The ten teams that are on this list all follow a similar pattern. The year prior was either a great season with a playoff run or one that featured a strong core of players that appeared to have taken the next step. Offseason/preseason expectations were high with even Las Vegas oddsmakers believing in a deep run. Unfortunately, those preseason expectations fell short for the following teams. None of the teams listed below made the playoffs.