Ihmir Smith-Marsette Signs Futures Deal with Cardinals, Looks to Carve Out NFL Role
Ihmir Smith-Marsette is getting another shot to prove he belongs in the NFL, and this time it’s with the Arizona Cardinals. The former Iowa wide receiver has signed a one-year futures contract, giving him a chance to compete for a roster spot heading into the 2026 season.
For Iowa fans, this one hits a little differently. Wide receivers from the Kirk Ferentz era haven’t exactly flooded the NFL ranks.
The Hawkeyes have churned out tight ends, offensive linemen, and defensive backs like clockwork-but wideouts? That’s been a tougher road.
Iowa’s run-heavy, tight end-centric offense hasn’t always showcased its receivers, but Smith-Marsette was one of the few who managed to stand out.
During his four years in Iowa City, Smith-Marsette was a spark plug. He hauled in 110 passes for 1,615 yards and 14 touchdowns, and added another 274 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. But what really set him apart was his impact on special teams-1,520 career kick return yards and two return touchdowns made him one of the most dynamic return men in the Big Ten during his time.
That versatility got the attention of the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings selected him in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he made the most of his limited chances as a rookie-posting five catches for 116 yards and two touchdowns.
But like many mid-to-late round picks, Smith-Marsette’s path wasn’t linear. After his first season, the Vikings waived him, and he landed with the Chicago Bears.
His stint in Chicago was brief-just one catch for 15 yards in 2022-before he was waived again and scooped up by the Kansas City Chiefs. While he didn’t see much action on the field, he did get elevated to the active roster for a game and walked away with a Super Bowl ring that season. Not a bad silver lining.
The 2023 season brought a fresh opportunity when he was traded to the Carolina Panthers. That’s where Smith-Marsette finally got a real shot to show what he could do in the return game.
After logging just five returns in his first two seasons, he handled 37 punt returns for the Panthers, including one he took to the house. It was a reminder of what he could bring to a special teams unit.
He was waived by Carolina in August 2024 and picked up by the New York Giants, where he continued to make his mark on special teams. He logged 40 total returns for New York, highlighted by a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown-a moment that showed just how explosive he can be when given space and opportunity.
Smith-Marsette didn’t see any game action in 2025, but at just 26 years old, he’s far from done. The futures deal with Arizona gives him another shot to crack a roster, and potentially carve out a role as a return specialist or depth receiver. For a player who’s bounced around the league but continues to flash playmaking ability, this could be a pivotal moment.
It’s been an unconventional journey, no doubt. But if Smith-Marsette has shown anything, it’s that he’s resilient, versatile, and still capable of making noise when the ball’s in his hands. Now it’s up to him to make the most of this next chapter in the desert.