Tag: Mike Gesicki

Bengals’ free-agency signing projected to possibly land mega-deal next offseason

Is a big name on the way to a big payday after a season with the Bengals?

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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Look: Bengals TE Mike Gesicki appears to have improved his Griddy

He’s no Ja’Marr Chase….but Mike Gesicki is improving.

It appears that new Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has been working on his griddy.

Gesicki, infamous for his horrific giddy dance with other teams before this season, signed with the Bengals in free agency.

Ja’Marr Chase — something of a griddy expert — even said he would help Gesicki eventually get the dance right.

Now? We’ve got footage of both guys doing the dance in Bengals jerseys, courtesy of the team’s recent media days.

While Gesicki isn’t close to matching Chase, fans who have seen his prior dance efforts know that this latest rendition is by far his best yet:

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Fantasy football: Can Mike Gesicki rebound in 2024?

Is there a realistic chance Gesicki bounces back in 2024?

A second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2018, tight end Mike Gesicki looked like a player on the rise, posting a 73-780-2 line in 2021 to give him a total of 177 receptions, 2,053 yards, and 13 touchdowns over a three-year stretch. Miami thought enough of Gesicki to slap the franchise tag on him. Heading into Year 5 with new head coach Mike McDaniel arriving, the future looked bright for Gesicki.

Instead, McDaniel brought an offensive attack predicated on speed and vertical shots, built around wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and the result was a marginalized role for Gesicki. After seeing an average of 95 targets over his previous three seasons, the Penn State alum had just 52 in 2022, and — outside of his five touchdowns — his numbers fell to non-rookie lows (32-362-5).

Coming off a down year, Gesicki inked a one-year deal with the New England Patriots. The thought process was clear: give new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien another talented tight end to pair with TE Hunter Henry and watch as that duo recreates the magic seen during O’Brien’s previous run with Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. It didn’t work out that way.

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The Pats scuffled offensively throughout 2023 as quarterback Mac Jones regressed, and QB Bailey Zappe showed none of the promise he’d flashed the previous year. When the dust settled, Gesicki was targeted just 45 times, catching 29 of them for 244 yards and a pair of touchdowns. It was another disappointing year for the talented pass catcher.

Gesicki signed another one-year deal this offseason, this time with the Cincinnati Bengals, in hope of reigniting his flagging career. It follows Cincinnati’s recent trend, having brought in veteran TEs Hayden Hurst in 2022 and Irv Smith Jr. last year. Hurst (52-414-2 in ‘22) was a far more productive signing than Smith (18-115-1), but the Bengals will be hoping for more from Gesicki.

While tight end hasn’t been a featured position since quarterback Joe Burrow arrived in 2020, the winds of change are blowing in Cincinnati. WR Tyler Boyd is gone, having signed with the Tennessee Titans, and wideout Tee Higgins has demanded a trade after receiving the franchise tag, leaving WR Ja’Marr Chase as the one sure thing in the Bengals’ passing attack.

In terms of competition, TE Drew Sample (22-163-2) returns, and the team spent fourth- and sixth-round picks on TEs Erick All (knee) and Tanner McLachlan, respectively. On paper, nobody in that group is a threat to challenge Gesicki for the top job in 2024. All has the talent over the long term, though he’s recovering from a torn ACL.

Fantasy football outlook

Coming off two disappointing seasons, Gesicki is unlikely to garner much attention in fantasy drafts this time around. While that’s a valid approach, he shouldn’t be dismissed entirely. Depending on how things shake out with Higgins, Gesicki has a chance to fill a bigger role than he has since 2021, and Burrow is easily the best quarterback with whom he’s played. He’s someone to add to your watch list as a possible TE2, provided Higgins is indeed dealt.

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Bengals defenders already noticing Mike Gesicki at practice

Mike Gesicki is making an impact early for the Bengals.

The Cincinnati Bengals will throw new looks into the offense this season built around the idea of going more under center.

That much was obvious when the team added tight end Mike Gesicki in free agency, with his projected use often coming from the slot previously manned by Tyler Boyd.

As OTAs get underway, Bengals defenders like Mike Hilton have certainly seen the difference in the offense already — and are even impressed with Gesicki.

“We saw a lot of 12 today,” Hilton said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “I think they’ll mix it up a lot. Gesicki, that’s a big slot receiver. So you get that 11 look. We know he can play on the line, But when he makes his money, he’s split out getting those matchups. Obviously, he’s a big receiver. He’s not really a burner, but really savvy in his routes. His length is a problem. I feel he fits in perfectly.”

Gesicki, at least early this spring, has popped up in plenty of double tight-end looks with the likes of Drew Sample or Tanner Hudson, as expected.

But there’s a newfound flexibility to the offense thanks to his presence, too. On paper, the team figures to use plenty of Ja’Marr Chase in the slot to create mismatches.

Granted, the team won’t show its entire hand in early June. But the offense that features Zac Taylor stepping back this spring continues to look different, with defenders confirming it.

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Joe Burrow working extra with new TE Mike Gesicki at Bengals practice

Joe Burrow is working closely with one of his new weapons.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has a new weapon in tight end Mike Gesicki and has immediately gotten to work making sure the fit excels during games.

On only the second day of practice this week after Burrow’s return from an offseason of rehab, the star quarterback was often seen working with Gesicki in close detail.

Joe Danneman of Fox 19 provided the insight, going as far as saying that Burrow was even “walking him through his breaks step-by-step” during practice.

It’s not out of the ordinary, but it might ever-so-slightly hint at Gesicki’s importance in the offense in 2024. Said offense will incorporate more under-center looks to keep things fresh, potentially meaning ample more opportunities for a tight end spot that has largely been an afterthought in the offense during the early Burrow era.

This sort of attention to detail in early May could be something fans look back on if the Burrow-Gesicki connection really takes flight next season.

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Chris Grier needs to find another 2nd round gem in the 2024 NFL draft

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier has found some stars in the second round. He needs to pull that off again on Friday.

The Miami Dolphins are set to pick with the No. 21 selection in Round 1 and the No. 55 selection in Round 2 of the 2024 NFL draft. With a first-round pick for the first time since 2021, finding an impact player on the first day is paramount for general manager Chris Grier. But to keep the team on track, the second-rounder also needs to be a hit.

Grier’s last two draft classes have only produced one immediate contributor out of the eight selected players. The 2022 class has not materialized well thus far, as Channing Tindall, Erik Ezukanma, and Cameron Goode have hardly seen the field for Miami.

Only 2022 seventh-round pick Skylar Thompson has made much of an impact when he performed adequate backup duties for Tua Tagovailoa and nearly pulled off a miracle road upset in the playoffs against the Buffalo Bills.

The true gem of the last two years is running back De’Von Achane, a third-round grand slam in last year’s draft. He was taken 33 picks after cornerback Cam Smith, who played the fewest rookie snaps of all the 2023 second-rounders.

That lackluster drafting means the pressure is on for Grier this week. Especially since, at the moment, the Dolphins are set for a painful wait from No. 55 to No. 158 without any picks.

Miami’s third-round pick was forfeited (along with a 2023 first-round pick) due to tampering with Tom Brady and Sean Payton. Their fourth-round pick is belongs to the Denver Broncos as part of the package from the 2022 in-season trade for edge rusher Bradley Chubb.

Grier’s first ever second round pick was cornerback Xavien Howard at No. 38 overall. Howard played eight seasons for the Dolphins, earning four Pro Bowl nods and 2020 All-Pro honors, before getting cut this offseason to save cap space.

The general manager didn’t follow up that home run in fantastic fashion, though. Grier selecting linebacker Raekwon McMillan and tigth end Mike Gesicki in the second rounds of the 2017 and 2018 drafts, respectively. McMillan was eventually traded to the Raiders for peanuts, and Gesicki walked in free agency in 2023 after getting franchise-tagged in 2022.

Two other recently departed free agents, Raekwon Davis and Brandon Jones, were selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft.

In 2021, Grier made an excellent selection on Day 2 of that year’s draft. Oregon safety Jevon Holland was picked No. 36 overall and is currently in contract extension talks with the Dolphins after three stellar seasons. His second pick in the second round that year, offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg at 42nd overall, hasn’t looked as promising.

Whatever Grier decides to do on Friday will be predicated on his choice in the first round. Yet, with plenty of value at positions of need, several players projected in the 45-65 range could be viewed as excellent selections at No. 55 for the Dolphins. And Grier can’t afford to miss.

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Mike Gesicki eager to prove himself in Joe Burrow’s Bengals offense

Mike Gesicki sounds like he has a chip on his shoulder with the Bengals.

New Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has already said Joe Burrow’s team was his No. 1 target right after last season ended.

Gesicki comes over via free agency after a year in a sluggish New England offense as the No. 1 tight end, the latest in a line of short-term solutions at the position for the team.

And he understands that while the upside is high, there’s a challenge joining a new team, too.

“New team, new staff, new quarterback. Everything is new for me,” Gesicki said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “So I have to go out there and earn the trust. It’s more proving what I’m capable of doing and earning more and more opportunities once the football starts. It’s only April. A long way to go.”

Hyped as Bengals fans are for Gesicki, he is indeed at an initial disadvantage in the offense compared to Tanner Hudson, who worked his way into a starting role last year and then re-signed this offseason.

Adding to that, the team could elect to add to the tight end depth chart as early as Round 1 this month in the draft, too, so Gesicki’s earn-it approach, despite his obvious fit and upside, is justified.

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Bengals staffer thinks Joe Burrow is great for recruiting free agents

The Bengals know Joe Burrow is big with free agents.

The Cincinnati Bengals landed some solid free agents this offseason again, and Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com talked to the director of pro scouting, Steven Radicevic, about many different things, but of course, free agency came up.

When it comes to the Bengals, Radicevic believes the team has some advantage when it comes to some free agents and that advantage is having Joe Burrow as their quarterback.

Here’s what Radicevic had to say when Hobson asked whether Burrow being on the team helps when it comes to getting free agents to sign in Cincinnati:

It definitely does with guys like (tight ends) Mike Gesicki and Tanner Hudson. Those types of guys know they’re going to get their touches. I think Mike felt that a little bit last year in New England and knows what playing with a good quarterback can do for you. He definitely would have gotten a lot more going somewhere else, but he knew that coming here and playing on the one-year deal, he’s going to benefit from the quarterback and the system that we have.

Not only does Burrow provide an advantage on the field through the means of being a great quarterback, but he’s also helping off the field without even trying.

If having a good quarterback is a good recruiting tool in free agency, there aren’t many other teams that have a better way to persuade than the Bengals.

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Bengals were always Mike Gesicki’s target in free agency

Mike Gesicki gave one big reason, too — Joe Burrow.

New Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki seemed to have the team in mind well before the free agency market opened.

Gesicki himself appeared to suggest as much recently after his stint in New England on a rough offense that produced a career-low 45 targets.

Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic summed up the situation nicely while looking at the signing:

After spending last year in the offensive trainwreck that was the New England Patriots, Gesicki knew exactly what his career needed and his skill set demanded. That’s why since the moment the season ended, he’d been talking to his wife, Halle, about going to Cincinnati. When the Bengals called, he knew where it would end.

Now Gesicki gets to become the latest one-year, prove-it target for Joe Burrow.

And he says that No. 9 factored more than anything in the thought process, per Dehner: “They could have said it was the worst place in the world, but when you got No. 9 at quarterback, I was like, ‘That is the place I want to go.’”

And go he did, with the potential to contribute more than the last few guys to hold the No. 1 spot on the depth chart over the last few years. With Gesicki’s skill in the slot well proven and Tyler Boyd gone, his initial gut feeling about Cincinnati could be proven right in a hurry.

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Mike Gesicki contract details with Bengals revealed

A look at the contract details for new Bengals TE Mike Gesicki.

New Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki signed a one-year pact with the team in free agency.

According to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the contract checks in at $2.5 million with $400,000 guaranteed, the latter number being the cap hit on the team’s books against the salary cap.

What’s interesting is that Gesicki got one year and $4.5 million from the New England Patriots in March of 2023. The year before that, the Miami Dolphins hit him with a one-year franchise tag worth $10.93 million.

The decreasing money doesn’t correlate to ability or upside though, with Gesicki blatantly a not-great fit in the last two offenses or with poor quarterback situations.

Gesicki is merely the latest veteran tight end to hope a Joe Burrow boost provides a bump on his next contract compared to what the Bengals gave him:

  • C.J. Uzomah (3 years, $18.3 million)
  • Hayden Hurst (1 year, $3.5 million)
  • Irv Smith Jr. (1 year, $1.75 million)

Those first two names went on to sign much bigger contracts with new teams, so the Bengals are more than happy with the latest here.

As such, Gesicki’s arrival as the No. 1 tight end, a 6’6″ target from the slot for Burrow, won’t stop the team from adding to the position as early as Round 1 in the draft, either.

As of this writing, the Bengals have roughly $33.4 million free cap space.

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