Irv Smith Jr. Returns to the Texans on a One-Year Deal

The Houston Texans are bringing back a familiar face at tight end. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Irv Smith Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal to rejoin the Texans for the 2025 NFL season.

Smith, 26, spent time with Houston last year after signing to the team's practice squad in September. He was later promoted to the active roster in December, appearing in five games for the Texans. Over that span, Smith played a total of 85 offensive snaps and 15 on special teams. While he didn’t record a catch during the 2024 season, his presence provided needed depth during the team’s late-season playoff push.

Originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round (No. 50 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, Smith entered the league with high expectations after a productive college career at Alabama. In Minnesota, he showed flashes of potential, especially in his first two seasons, but injuries and inconsistent usage stalled his momentum. After four seasons with the Vikings, Smith spent the 2023 season with the Cincinnati Bengals before his brief stint in Houston.

Across 54 career games with the Vikings, Bengals, and Texans, Smith has tallied 109 receptions for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns. Though he has yet to fully live up to his second-round billing, he remains a talented and athletic tight end with upside—especially in a system like Houston’s, which values versatile offensive weapons.

For the Texans, Smith’s return provides additional depth behind starting tight end Dalton Schultz, who re-signed with the team earlier this offseason. He’ll also compete with rookie Cade Stover, a recent draft pick out of Ohio State, for a rotational role in the offense. With head coach DeMeco Ryans and offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik continuing to build around young franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud, having experienced and athletic targets like Smith can help the Texans maintain their offensive rhythm and flexibility.

The Texans are coming off a surprising and promising 2024 campaign that saw them return to the playoffs behind the breakout performance of Stroud and a physical, opportunistic defense. As they look to take another step forward in 2025, bringing back players familiar with the system—like Irv Smith Jr.—adds continuity and helps reinforce the team’s depth.

While Smith still has plenty to prove, a full offseason with Houston could give him the best shot yet at a meaningful role in an ascending offense.

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