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NFL rumors: Is Mike Gesicki about to cash in when free agency begins?

By Matt Lombardo

Oct 24, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates in the stands after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2021; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates in the stands after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons during the third quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Former Penn State Football standout Mike Gesicki is poised to be among the most coveted tight ends in free agency this offseason 

Former Penn State Football tight end Mike Gesicki is set to be a free agent for the first time, and the Miami Dolphins’ standout could be on the cusp of cashing in.

This year’s crop of free agents will likely be among the deepest positions when the market opens.

In addition to Gesicki, Dalton Schultz, Zach Ertz, David Njoku, and Evan Engram headline a star-studded group of players who will be available during an offseason where teams currently have an average $13.6 million in cap space.

Gesicki might be the most coveted of the bunch.

Pro Football Focus predicts Gesicki returns to the Miami Dolphins, who currently have approximately $61.2 million in cap space … But at a hefty premium.

"Prediction: Miami Dolphins – Four years, $55 million ($30 million guaranteed)Gesicki is not a traditional tight end by any means, as aligned as a solt receiver for 424 snaps while only lining up as an inline tight end on 98 snaps. Basically, the Dolphins ran a lot of 12 personnel last year, but it really just was 11 personnel with Gesicki acting as a big slot receiver.Mike McDaniel is considered to be one of the more innovative coaches in the league, and having a weapon such as Gesicki creates all sorts of mismatches on the outside and down the seam. The Dolphins also hired Frank Smith, who was the Raiders’ tight ends coach during Darren Waller’s rise to stardom, as their offensive coordinator. Given the similarities between the two players, staying in Miami makes sense for both sides."

Why Mike Gesicki remains a great fit for the Miami Dolphins

Sources inside the league expect Gesicki to push for a contract on par with the wide receiver position, rather than among the top tight ends.

In large part, Gesicki’s motivation is his production, coming off a season in which he caught 73 of 106 targets for 780 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a season marred by inconsistent quarterback play from the Dolphins.

Pro Football Focus charged Gesicki with only three drops all season, which could make him an asset for Miami to continue building with around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

If new Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel envisions Gesicki, who was chosen in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, capable of a similar role to George Kittle’s dominance with the San Francisco 49ers, it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if Gesicki cashes in this offseason.

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