Bengals, Mike Gesicki Agree to 1-Year Contract

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The Cincinnati Bengals made a splash on the second day of free agency, signing veteran tight end Mike Gesicki to a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million. The Bengals choice to add Gesicki to the offense should pay dividends in the 2024 season.

Gesicki, originally drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2018, spent five seasons with the Dolphins, averaging 11.3 yards per reception and recording 18 touchdowns. Primarily a receiving tight end, Gesicki was often in the slot as a receiver for the Dolphins offense. However, Gesicki saw his offensive production dip from 780 yards in 2021 to 362 yards in 2022 in coach Mike McDaniel's first season. He then entered free agency and signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in 2023. In his lone season with the Patriots, Gesicki tallied his lowest offensive totals with 29 receptions, 244 yards and 2 touchdowns.

New Weapon for Bengals

Signing a one-year deal with the Bengals gives Gesicki a fresh start with a potentially high-powered offense in the Bengals. The move also gives quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals another viable receiving threat. With perennial All-Pro Ja'Marr Chase and receiver Tee Higgins in the fold, Gesicki should see his targets and production pick up in the Bengals offense. The deal, essentially a prove-it deal, allows Gesicki to possibly re-enter the free agent after a season with better production.

For the Bengals, it not only gives Burrow another weapon but should help draw coverage away from Chase and Higgins as they look to rebound from a disappointing year and compete in the AFC. Also, with the recent news of Higgins requesting a trade, having Gesicki provides some insurance as a reliable target for Burrow. Gesicki has shown a solid route-running ability throughout his career and was also willing to learn more of the nuances of blocking to be a more well-rounded tight end.

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Overall Mike Gesicki's grade: A

I've been a Gesicki fan since he was in Miami and couldn't figure out why he wasn't more of a fixture on the offense. Despite low production with the Patriots, the move to the Bengals feels like an opportunity for Gesicki to re-establish himself and get back to the production levels he is capable of achieving. For the Bengals, adding a tight end like Gesicki to the offense positions them to be more productive on offense with more favorable matchups in the passing game. It's a win-win for both as the Bengals address a team need as well.