He’s the highest drafted rookie of 2019 to sign a contract.
For former University of Alabama tight end Irv Smith, Jr., he put pen to paper on Thursday in finalizing his four-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. News came from Adam Schefter of ESPN and per Spotrac, Smith’s deal is worth $5.78 million ($2.98 million guaranteed) with a $2.23 million signing bonus.
Vikings’ rookie TE Irv Smith has reached agreement and is signing with Minnesota today, per @_sportstrust. Smith now becomes the highest-drafted 2019 rookie to sign.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 2, 2019
The 6-foot-2, 242-pounder turned in a contribution last season that went a long way into quarterback Tua Tagovailoa being recognized as an All-American and Heisman finalist.
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He recorded 710 yards receiving on 44 catches with seven touchdowns – setting a single-season school record for scores by a tight end. Smith averaged 16+ yards per catch and had a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine.
He posted a 40-time of 4.63 seconds and executed the gauntlet drill with ease. Some NFL scouts are concerned about his abilities as an in-line blocker; however, Minnesota will develop him in that area — as long he’s willing to help in the run game.
Smith is also signed to Sports Trust Advisors, a full-service football agency that has been branding and representing elite NFL players since 1987. Sports Trust is representing quite a few former Crimson Tide stars, including Anthony Averett, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Kenyan Drake, Dont’a Hightower, Eddie Jackson, Shaun Dion Hamilton and Dalvin Tomlinson.
Smith was the Vikings’ second pick at No. 50 overall and he’s ready to work.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
