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The Chiefs have made sure to add much-needed depth to their Super Bowl-winning squad as they are on the prowl for the historic ‘three-peat’.
Kansas City now has a new face to cheer on next season, as the new tight end Irv Smith Jr. will be lacing up his cleats at Arrowhead.
Travis Kelce will have a supporting tight end in the hope of reducing the pressure on him.
Kelce slowing down
Age is dawning on Kelce’s career and his production slipped for the first time last year.
Moreover, in 2023, the 34-year-old failed to record 1,000 yards receiving for the first time since 2015.
He only registered five touchdown passes in the regular season, which was his lowest since 2019.
Chiefs Kingdom knows there are only a limited number of seasons with Kelce as a footballer. Once he does retire, he will be a Chiefs legend and has been one of the greatest ever to play in his position.
Nonetheless, Kelce needs help and Irv Smith has been scooped up from free agency to provide that cover.
Much needed cover at tight end
Ironically, Smith’s previous team was the Cincinnati Bengals, who have a recently formed rivalry with the Chiefs.
After a season of productive growth with the Minnesota Vikings, he suffered a torn meniscus in 2021.
This forced him to miss an entire season and has struggled with his output since.
However, he joins on a one-year deal to try to prove his value again with a clean slate in Kansas.
Irv Smith spoke to the Sports Radio media about what he believes he can add to the Super Bowl-winning team: “I see myself bringing some youth to the room, some juice…
“I see myself being an impact in the run game, in the pass game, anyway I can help the team.”
Smith is only 25 years old and is nine years Kelce’s younger.
Irv Smith can learn off Kelce
Ultimately, this is an opportunity for Smith to learn from the nine-time Pro Bowler and revitalize his career.
Who knows, could the former Bengal finally muster that breakout season he craves?
Could he be the successor of Kelce when the day comes that he decides to hang up his cleats?
We do know that he has one year to prove himself.