Why Kansas City Chiefs’ newest signing — Irv Smith Jr. — says KC was his ‘best fit’

Free agent tight end Irv Smith Jr. said quite a few draws led him to sign a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Playing alongside quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Getting to be coached by Andy Reid.

And also being able to join a team that’s had plenty of recent success.

“The culture that they’ve built here, it’s a winning culture, and it’s something that ... I’ve been around winning my whole life,” Smith said Thursday during an interview with reporters. “I just felt like for me, it was the best opportunity, the best fit and somewhere I can succeed and just showcase my ability.”

Smith, 25, signed with KC on a one-year contract worth $1.292 million. Smith profiles as the Chiefs’ third tight end behind Kelce and Noah Gray, though the team has historically used multiple-tight-end sets more than many other franchises.

“At the end of the day, we’re going to be getting each other open,” Smith said, “and feeding off of each other.”

A 2019 second-round draft pick of the Vikings, Smith played three years in Minnesota before spending this past season with Cincinnati. He played in 12 games last season and had 18 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown while missing some time with a hamstring injury.

Ailments have also cut short previous seasons. Smith missed most of 2022 with the Vikings after suffering a high ankle sprain.

Smith admitted Thursday this offseason has been the first in three years where he’s been able to train at full health.

“That’s my main goal is just to be 100% as much as I can,” Smith said, “and to be available.”

Smith said he hopes to bring some youth and “juice” to the Chiefs’ tight-ends room. He also sees himself as being able to affect both the run and pass games.

“Any way I can help the team,” Smith said. “For me, I feel like I’m a versatile player and I can make a lot of plays.”

Smith Jr.’s father, Irv Smith Sr., played tight end for seven seasons in the NFL from 1993-99 while spending most of his time with the New Orleans Saints.

Football, then, has always been a meaningful part of Smith Jr.’s life. He remembers telling teachers when he was younger that he was someday going to be an NFL player. He also tried on his dad’s helmet, cleats and gloves around the house while envisioning himself as a pro.

“For me, football and sports, that’s my everything,” Smith Jr. said.

The tight end is accustomed to high expectations. Smith played in college at Alabama, so he has experience on teams that typically receive their opponent’s best shot.

“When it came down to the decision-making process, I wanted this opportunity. It was something I wasn’t shying away from,” Smith said. “I’m attacking it.”

Smith said it’s been exciting to watch the Chiefs offense from afar the past few seasons, calling their games “electric.”

Now, he’s ready to do what he can to contribute to that success.

“Coming to Chiefs Kingdom, I know what the standard is,” Smith said, “so I don’t take it lightly.”