The Cincinnati Bengals have another player on their hands who may be leaving as free agent Mike Gesicki will likely sign a lucrative deal elsewhere. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Bengals are trying their best to extend their best tight end but it shouldn’t surprise anyone if that doesn’t happen since they have plenty of players to extend this offseason. The trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson are all looking for new deals as the Bengals will have another rough market due salary cap. Many in the league are projecting Gesicki could land a decent sizeable market with teams that are looking for a tight end and may wind up landing the best deal in his position.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the former Penn State product came into the Bengals lineup on a one-year “prove it” contract but had a phenomenal performance, recording 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns last year. These numbers are not explosive for a pass catcher but they’re good enough as a tight end for the Bengals to consider bringing back which they are looking to. Gesicki said money isn’t the main motivator but he will take it into account in where he wants to go. The tight end wants to cash in either way but that isn’t possible for the Bengals so it shouldn’t be surprising if he banks somewhere else.
ESPN: Bengals Will “Try” to Extend Top Free Agent Mike Gesicki – Likely to Leave for These Five Teams
Possible Destinations
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have the dividends to afford a top-notch tight end since Will Dissly hasn’t done much to change the vision of quarterback Justin Herbert. As it stands, Ladd McConkey is their only exploding receiver and if they can’t find another consistent wideout, they could use the money to salvage the tight-end department. Gesicki will likely start for the Chargers and could wind up being another favorite weapon for Herbert.
Carolina Panthers
For the Carolina Panthers, the team needs an upgrade in their tight-end department as well especially since Tommy Tremble is a free agent. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are two unproven but promising playmakers who need a veteran boost other than Adam Thielen. Gesicki could fit into this offense to help move the chains with his size and hands to haul in those balls that could pave the way for quarterback Bryce Young.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, the Commanders are looking to re-sign veteran Zach Ertz to another deal but they might be better off getting a younger talent. Ertz might have done well but as he’s aging, it’s a risk to give him a ton of money. Perhaps, Gesicki could give them a promising upgrade and another dependable weapon for Jayden Daniels.
Kansas City Chiefs
The good news is that Travis Kelce is coming back for what could be his last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. Last year, he wasn’t on the same page as Patrick Mahomes but adding Gesicki could solve the tight end issues for the team. Gesicki won’t start next season if the Chiefs sign him but he could be the future replacement when Kelce eventually retires.
New England Patriots
After hiring Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, the Patriots will likely salvage the pass-catching unit for second-year Drake Maye. While they’re heading in a good direction with plenty of cap space, the Patriots need a new tight end. Hunter Henry is a solid option but they could pair him with Gesicki who would be a massive upgrade over Austin Hooper.
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