The Ravens have reportedly agreed to terms with blocking tight end Durham Smythe, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic.
Smythe is expected to assume the blocking tight end role that was handled by Charlie Kolar, who has agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Smythe and new Ravens Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle were together with the Chicago Bears last season. Smythe was moved across formations and sometimes lined up in the backfield to take advantage of his versatility as a blocker in one of the NFL's top rushing attacks. Per Jonas Shaffer of The Baltimore Banner, Smythe played 334 snaps last year in Chicago, and over 70% were as a blocker.
He could help in the backfield after the reported departure of fullback Patrick Ricard to the New York Giants.
Baltimore also reportedly lost tight end Isaiah Likely to the New York Giants in free agency, leaving multiple vacancies in the tight end room. Smythe will be expected to join veteran Mark Andrews in the rotation.
The 30-year-old Smythe was a fourth-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2018 out of Notre Dame. He spent his first seven seasons with Miami before joining the Bears last season.
While he's a strong blocker, Smythe has also made plays as a receiver. During his career, Smythe has 136 catches for 1,253 yards and three touchdowns. His most productive season as a receiver was in 2023 with the Dolphins, when Smythe had 35 catches for 366 yards.
