When Irv Smith Jr. came out of Alabama back in 2019, everyone—and I mean everyone—thought he was the next big thing. He had that "it" factor. A second-round pick with hands like a wide receiver and the pedigree of an NFL father. Fast forward to now, and looking at irv smith jr stats feels a bit like reading a book where the best chapters were ripped out right as things got interesting.
It’s kind of a bummer.
If you just glance at the back of his football card, you see 109 career receptions for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns. On paper, those are "fine" numbers for a depth tight end. But they don't tell the story of the guy who was supposed to take over for Kyle Rudolph in Minnesota and become a Pro Bowl staple. Instead, the numbers are a map of missed time, "what-ifs," and a series of unfortunate injuries that basically stalled his momentum every time he started to cook.
Breaking Down the Early Irv Smith Jr. Stats in Minnesota
The hype started in 2019. As a rookie, he didn't set the world on fire, but he was solid. He played in all 16 games, which, looking back, was actually a rare feat for him. He caught 36 passes for 311 yards and 2 touchdowns. He looked smooth. He was fast enough to beat linebackers and big enough to give safeties a headache.
2020 was arguably the peak.
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He played 13 games and scored 5 touchdowns. That's a high rate. When he was on the field, Kirk Cousins loved finding him in the red zone. He averaged 12.2 yards per catch that year. For a tight end, that’s moving the needle. You could see the vision. The Vikings were ready to make him "The Guy" in 2021.
Then the wheels came off.
A meniscus tear in the 2021 preseason wiped out his entire year. It was the first major blow to his trajectory. By the time he came back in 2022, the Vikings had a new coaching staff and eventually traded for T.J. Hockenson because, frankly, they couldn't count on Smith staying healthy. In 8 games that year, his numbers dipped to 25 catches for 182 yards.
Moving the Needle in Cincinnati and Beyond
When he signed with the Bengals in 2023, there was this hope that Joe Burrow would be the magic fix. Everyone thought, "Hey, if Irv is the fourth option behind Chase, Higgins, and Boyd, he’s going to feast."
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It didn't happen.
He finished his stint in Cincy with just 18 receptions for 115 yards and a single touchdown. His yards per catch plummeted to a career-low 6.4. Honestly, he just didn't look like the same explosive athlete we saw at Bama.
After a brief, unremarkable cup of coffee with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 offseason—where he was eventually released during roster cuts—he landed with the Houston Texans. His 2024 regular season with Houston was virtually a ghost act. He appeared in 5 games but didn't register a single target.
The Injury Factor That Ruined the Math
You can't talk about irv smith jr stats without talking about the medical tent. It's the elephant in the room. His career has been a literal laundry list of setbacks:
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- 2021: Meniscus tear (Missed 17 games)
- 2022: Thumb surgery (Preseason)
- 2022: High-ankle sprain (Missed 9 games)
- 2023: Hamstring strain (Missed several weeks)
- 2025: Season-ending ankle injury (Placed on IR by Texans, later released)
It's tough to build chemistry with a quarterback when you're in the training room more than the huddle. Most recently, his 2025 season was derailed before it even started. He suffered an ankle injury in a preseason finale against the Lions. The Texans put him on IR and eventually released him with an injury settlement in late September 2025.
That’s basically where we are. The talent is there, but the body hasn't cooperated.
What the United Football League (UFL) Means for the Future
Because the NFL door started closing, Smith had to pivot. In January 2025, he was selected by the Louisville Kings in the UFL. This is actually a smart move. If he can stay healthy for a full spring season, he might finally put up the volume stats that remind NFL scouts why he was a second-round pick in the first place.
The reality is that his NFL "bust" label is a bit unfair. It's not that he couldn't play; it's that he couldn't stay on the grass. When you compare his career 8.9 yards per reception to elite guys, it’s not terrible. It just lacks the volume.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're still tracking Irv Smith Jr., keep an eye on his UFL performance with the Louisville Kings. His path back to the league is paved with "availability" rather than just "ability."
- Watch the snap counts: If he can play 10+ games without a soft-tissue injury, his stock rises.
- Red zone efficiency: His best trait has always been finding space in the end zone; look for that to be his primary value.
- The "Post-Hype" Sleeper: In fantasy leagues or deep dynasty rosters, he’s no longer a "must-own," but a guy to watch if he gets a late-season call-up to an NFL practice squad following the UFL season.
The story of Irv Smith Jr. isn't necessarily over, but the era of him being a projected breakout star in the NFL is likely in the rearview mirror. Now, it's about being a reliable veteran who can catch a few passes and provide depth when a team gets desperate in November.