After not recording a reception as a true freshman at Alabama in 2016, Smith had 14 receptions for 128 yards and three touchdowns over 14 games as a sophomore in 2017.[3] He returned to Alabama as a starter in 2018.[4][5] On January 11, 2019, Smith announced that he would declare for the 2019 NFL draft.[6]
Smith was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round with the 50th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.[9]
Smith made his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons but did not record any meaningful statistics.[10] He recorded his first reception in the next game against the Green Bay Packers.[11] He recorded a season-high and team-leading 60 receiving yards on three receptions against the Oakland Raiders in the following game.[12] He scored his first touchdown in Week 11 against the Denver Broncos on a 10-yard reception from Kirk Cousins.[13] Overall, as a rookie, he appeared in all 16 games and started six. He recorded 36 receptions for 311 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.[14]
2020
In Week 9, against the Detroit Lions, Smith had two receiving touchdowns in the same game for his first multi-touchdown game as a professional.[15]
In Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints on Christmas Day, Smith had two receiving touchdowns during the 52–33 loss.[16] He finished the 2020 season with 30 receptions for 365 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns in 13 games and seven starts.[17]
2021
On September 1, 2021, it was revealed that Smith underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus, which prevented him from playing for the entire 2021 season.[18] He was placed on injured reserve on September 1, 2021.[19]
2022
On November 1, 2022, Smith was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 8 win over the Arizona Cardinals.[20] In the 2022 season, Smith had 25 receptions for 182 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in eight games and one start.[21] He was activated on January 7, 2023. During the Vikings' Wild Card Round loss to the New York Giants, Smith had a receiving touchdown.[22]
Cincinnati Bengals
On March 30, 2023, Smith signed a one-year, $1.75 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.[23] He was named the starting tight end on the depth chart to begin the season.[24] Smith suffered a hamstring injury during the Bengals' Week 3 win against the Los Angeles Rams.[25]
He caught his first touchdown pass of the season in Week 9 against the Buffalo Bills.[26] He appeared in 12 games in the 2023 season. He had 18 receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown.[27]
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