A common thought since the Cincinnati Bengals hit free agency this past offseason is that new tight end Mike Gesicki might be the latest Joe Burrow target at the position to go make massive money with a new team.
And it’s a thought that continues right on up to the kickoff of the season.
The latest comes from Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski, who writes that Gesicki is one of 10 NFL players capable of breaking the bank a year from now:
The tight end can work the middle of the field, as part of a dynamic passing attack. In turn, the Bengals could really use a player capable of creating mismatches from the position. In fact, no Bengals tight end has eclipsed 500 receiving yards since Tyler Eifert in 2015.
It’s certainly possible Gesicki could be that breakout tight end the Burrow era has been missing. There’s a chance the uptick in under-center looks this year makes that possible.
If so, a huge payday would follow. It did for C.J. Uzomah (three years, $24 million with the Jets) and Hayden Hurst (three years, $21.75 million with the Panthers). Both guys didn’t finish those contracts with their new teams.
Working against Gesicki making this happen, though, is the presence of second-year wideout Andrei Iosivas after his strong summer. He can play the slot, as will Ja’Marr Chase at times.
Plus, rookie Erick All is back seemingly earlier than expected and already appearing in two-tight-end packages and sixth-rounder Tanner McLachlan forced his way onto the roster, making the team keep five tight ends.
Given these developments, Gesicki could come in with lower usage than anticipated. Bad for him, but the team clearly has a good problem on its hands at the position.
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