Six-year NFL veteran tight end Mike Gesicki signed a new contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. Gesicki, a former second-round pick, spent the 2023 season with the New England Patriots but has also played for the Miami Dolphins.
Former Patriots TE Mike Gesicki is signing a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million with the Cincinnati Bengals, per source. pic.twitter.com/gSwOFdSC8Q
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024
Mike Gesicki, Cincinnati Bengals, Agree to Contract
After five years in Miami, Mike Gesicki decided to bet on himself with a one-year deal in New England. That didn’t go according to plan, as New England’s offense was one of the worst in the league. Gesicki failed to establish a rapport with both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, and the tight end finished the season with just 29 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns – the lowest marks since his rookie season.
Mike Gesicki originally entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the Miami Dolphins, the Penn State product spent his rookie season as a rotational player in the tight end room. Appearing in 16 games while making seven starts, Gesicki finished his inaugural season with 22 receptions for 202 yards and no touchdowns. He built on this in 2019, recording 51 receptions for 570 yards and five touchdowns while catching passes from Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Gesicki continued to grow under Brian Flores, improving his raw statistical output with every season. This culminated in 2021, when he set career-best marks in receptions (73), yards (780), and targets (112) while hauling in two touchdowns. However, the Dolphins fired Flores and replaced him with Mike McDaniel. McDaniel did not place the same emphasis on the tight end position, and Gesiciki’s numbers went down in 2022. Appearing in 17 games, the former second-round pick recorded just 32 receptions for 362 yards and five touchdowns on 52 targets.
Since signing his rookie contract, Mike Gesicki has appeared in 98 games while making 41 starts. During his time on the field, the tight end has hauled in 260 receptions for 2,861 yards and 20 touchdowns on 415 targets.
Main Photo: David Butler – USA Today Sports