THURSDAY, 9:56am: According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter), Smith’s one-year deal, which was negotiated by the tight end himself, is a minimum salary benefit contract that includes a $40K signing bonus and a $25K roster bonus.
TUESDAY, 1:15pm: The Bengals have re-signed Alex Smith, head coach Marvin Lewis confirmed to reporters today, including Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link). Of course, this Alex Smith is the veteran tight end who has also played for the Buccaneers, Eagles, and Browns — not the Chiefs’ quarterback.
Smith, who turned 32 last month, appeared in all 16 regular-season games for the Bengals in 2013, his first year with the team. The former third-round pick was used primarily as a blocker, hauling in just three passes to increase his career reception total to 163. In total, Smith appeared in 257 offensive snaps and was targeted on just six of those plays, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Jermaine Gresham isn’t participating in the Bengals’ offseason workouts due to an undisclosed injury, so Smith could see some extra work this spring and summer. Assuming he makes the roster though, the veteran will likely play the same backup and blocking role he did last year.