Baltimore's tight end roster took a significant hit following the departures of Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, leaving the organization with a clear positional void to address. The Ravens moved decisively to shore up that depth Wednesday, reaching an agreement with veteran blocking specialist Durham Smythe.
The acquisition carries an interesting organizational dimension — Smythe arrives already familiar with incoming Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, having played under his system with the Chicago Bears throughout the previous campaign.
Much like the departed Kolar, Smythe's professional identity is built around his effectiveness as an in-line blocker rather than as a receiving threat. His 2024 campaign reflected that role clearly, as he logged 293 snaps across all 17 appearances while contributing just four receptions totaling 25 yards in the passing game — numbers that underscore his value as a scheme-first, run-blocking asset rather than a dual-threat option.
Smythe entered the league as Miami's fourth-round selection in the 2018 NFL Draft and established himself as a reliable rotational piece over seven seasons with the Dolphins organization before his move to Chicago.
Across his professional career, the veteran tight end has accumulated 136 receptions for 1,253 yards and three touchdown grabs — modest receiving totals that accurately reflect the specialized, blocking-oriented role he has consistently filled throughout his tenure in the league.