The Baltimore Ravens are signing tight end Durham Smythe to make up for the loss of both Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar.
The Baltimore Ravens have been hit hard in free agency, losing tight ends Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar. To make up for the losses, the team has struck a deal with Druham Smythe.
Per Ravens beat reporter, Jeff Zrebiec:
"Ravens have agreed to terms with free agent TE Durham Smythe, sources say.
"He'll likely be the Charlie Kolar replacement and fill the blocking tight end role in Baltimore.
"Smythe, who has 136 career catches, was also with new Ravens OC Declan Doyle in Chicago last year."
Smythe most recently played for the Chicago Bears, where he worked with offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Prior to landing with the Bears, the former Notre Dame Fighting Irish tight end played for the Miami Dolphins from 2018 to 2024.
As Zrebiece indicated, Smythe is likely to serve more so in the blocking tight end role to make up for the loss of Kolar.
Through eight seasons, Smythe has 136 receptions, 1,253 yards, and three touchdowns. He could be utilized a bit in pass-catching situations, but has been a strong blocker throughout his career thus far.
It will be interesting to see what Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta plans to do in terms of bringing in a more pass catching tight end to complement veteran Mark Andrews. Then again, Baltimore may look to the draft to bring in a younger talent to act as another weapon for Lamar Jackson.
Considering the heavy losses to the roster to start free agency, DeCosta has been making moves.
Jackson's contract was restructured, the team signed perennial edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal, re-signed Chidobe Awuzie to a one-year deal, brought in safety Jaylinn Hawkins, and signed Smythe.
Expect more deals to be incoming, but the Ravens are making moves to mitigate some of the starters they have lost to other teams.
Likely, punter Jordan Stout and fullback Patrick Ricrad have all signed deals with the New York Giants, returning to play for head coach John Harbaugh.
There is far more work to do, but DeCosta is making moves to ensure the Ravens roster is not devoid of starters on both sides of the ball.