Who Should I Start? Irv Smith Jr. or Hunter Long

Friday, April 18, 5:42 PM

The Houston Texans have re-signed tight end Irv Smith to a one-year deal on Friday. Smith spent most of the 2024 season on the practice squad in Houston. He did end up playing five games with the Texans, but didn't contribute anything on offense. The 26-year-old is a former second-round pick of the Minnesota Vikings. Smith was never really able to live up to the hype or establish himself as a starter in the NFL. He figures to serve as a backup in Houston once again which probably won't amount to much or any fantasy value.

Wednesday, July 10, 9:10 PM

Working in Los Angeles Rams tight end Hunter Long's favor is the fact that Tyler Higbee (knee) probably isn't going to be ready for the start of the 2024 regular season. That lone could land Long a spot on the 53-man roster to open the year if Higbee starts on the Physically Unable to Perform list. However, the Rams added Colby Parkinson in the offseason and love the potential of Davis Allen. If one of Nikola Kalinic or Neal Johnson emerges in training camp and the preseason, Long could be out of a roster spot. The 25-year-old finished last year on Injured Reserve after having surgery on his MCL but he was taking part in organized team activities this offseason and should be ready to go this fall. In just four games played in 2023, Long wasn't targeted at all while playing 54 offensive snaps for the Rams.