The Cincinnati Bengals were so impressed with the play of Mike Gesicki last season that they signed him to a three-year extension worth $25.5 million. Gesicki has always been highly regarded in NFL circles, but the allure of playing with superstar quarterback Joe Burrow was too enticing to pass up for the veteran tight end. In 2024, he had one of his most consistent seasons as a pro, amassing 65 catches for 665 yards with two touchdowns and an average of 10.2 yards per reception. Gesicki is seeking a special encore in 2025, as his rapport with Burrow is expected to deepen, helping provide more balance to an already potent offense.
Mike Gesicki Looks for a Special Encore in Bengals Stripes
Matchup Nightmare
What makes Gesicki so valuable to the Bengals is how dynamic he is as a pass-catching tight end, as essentially a WR3 in a 6’6″, 250lb frame. Burrow trusts him to be where he’s supposed to be and often puts the ball in the perfect spot where Gesicki can also gain some serious yards after the catch. He’s such a fantastic athlete, and it shows when he’s going against lesser players, as the coaching staff will be eager to see what magic Mike can do in year two in Cincy.
Friendly Help
The Bengals boast the best wide receiver duo in the NFL in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, and the emergence of running back Chase Brown makes life difficult for opposing defenses. Gesicki is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the elite players who surround him. It also allows Cincinnati to be more flexible in their offense by moving Chase around more frequently and letting a true WR3 like Andrei Iosivas shine in certain routes and tight spaces, such as the red zone. Don’t be surprised if you see huge jumps in production from Gesicki, Iosivas, and Brown this year.
Home Sweet Home
Gesicki has been somewhat of a nomad in his NFL career, spending five seasons in Miami, one in New England, and now feels at home in the same system that plays to his strengths with the Bengals. This isn’t lost on him as he stated last week, “I think the biggest thing is now that I’m in the same system, I’m not worrying about myself as much, I can concentrate on the defense more, and knowing Joe, I know I’m going to get that freedom out there.”
Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher has been masterful in utilizing Gesicki and putting him in advantageous positions that build off the confidence and chemistry accumulated with Burrow. That trend should continue and be more prominent as the men in stripes hope they get some of that home cooking when the playoffs roll around.
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