The Ravens faced a tough start to free agency, losing both Isaiah Likely to the Giants and Charlie Kolar to the Chargers. But General Manager Eric DeCosta wasted no time in addressing the gap, bringing in veteran tight end Durham Smythe on Wednesday.
Smythe, known for his blocking prowess, brings eight years of NFL experience to the table. At 30, he’s a seasoned pro who entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2018.
After seven solid years with the Miami Dolphins, he spent last season with the Chicago Bears. Now, he’s set to reunite with Ravens’ offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who likely played a role in Smythe’s signing.
While Smythe isn’t known for his receiving stats-his best season featured 35 receptions for 366 yards-he’s a reliable blocker. During his time with the Dolphins, he started 74 games, though he was never the primary target, maxing out at 43 targets in a season. Last year with the Bears, he was primarily used as a blocker, catching just four passes.
For the Ravens, Smythe is expected to fill a similar role as an in-line blocker, stepping into the position Kolar held. With fullback Pat Ricard also departing for the Giants, Smythe’s blocking skills will be crucial in the backfield.
The Ravens are likely to look for additional tight ends in the draft, aiming for players who can add a pass-catching threat. Currently, Mark Andrews is the only other tight end on the roster, making depth a priority.