Fantasy Upside
Irv Smith takes over as the No. 1 tight end in Cincinnati. Smith has talent and will be in one of the best offensive systems in the NFL. He will also have Joe Burrow throwing to him instead of Kirk Cousins. There really isn't much competition on the roster, so he should get a majority of the snaps.
Fantasy Downside
Smith has never put up numbers and part of the reason is he can't stay on the field. He played all 16 games his rookie year but only 21 games over the past three seasons. He hasn't been much of a receiving threat since being drafted out of Alabama.
2023 Bottom Line
Smith will likely be the fifth option in the passing game and that's if he can stay healthy. He ranks as a low-end TE2 so if you take him, make sure he is backing up one of the top-five tight ends. A heathy Smith should put up career highs in every category and touchdowns will be one reason his stock rises as the season goes on.