AP

Quarterback Alex Smith had a much longer flight to get to his new team than tight end Alex Smith did.

According to Geoff Hobson of the team’s official website, the Bengals are “getting close to a deal,” with the former Browns tight end.

Smith became extraneous in Cleveland when his old team added Kellen Davis and Gary Barnidge this offseason. The 30-year-old Smith gives them a solid player to pair with Jermaine Gresham.

Smith was an acceptable receiver earlier in his career with the Buccaneers, but he’s only caught 31 passes in the last four years.