The Cincinnati Bengals are keeping a key piece of their offense in place, re-signing tight end Mike Gesicki to a three-year, $25.5 million contract. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal includes $12 million in the first year.
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) celebrates a reception in the second quarter of the NFL Week 13 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. / Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Gesicki, 29, proved to be a valuable target for quarterback Joe Burrow in 2024 after signing a one-year deal with Cincinnati. He finished the season with 65 receptions for 665 yards and two touchdowns—his best production since his standout 2021 campaign with the Miami Dolphins.
Bengals re-signing TE Mike Gesicki to three-year, $25.5M deal.
(via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/IN2Gd9C34K
— NFL (@NFL) March 8, 2025
With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins commanding significant defensive attention, Gesicki became a reliable middle-of-the-field option, converting 38 catches into first downs. By the end of the season, Burrow had openly advocated for the Bengals to retain him.
Gesicki primarily served as Cincinnati’s receiving tight end, complementing Drew Sample, who was more involved in run blocking. The Bengals haven’t had a consistent pass-catching tight end since C.J. Uzomah’s departure in 2021, making Gesicki’s return a crucial move. Hopefully, we’ll get to see more of the ‘Gesicki Griddy’ in the coming seasons.
https://twitter.com/OpoyChase/status/1898438628365488451
With Burrow back healthy and a strong supporting cast, the Bengals are hoping to reload for another playoff push. Keeping Gesicki ensures continuity in the offense while giving Burrow a trusted security blanket over the middle.
3 YEAR DEAL FOR MIKE GESICKI.
Joe Burrow finally has a consistent pass catcher at the tight end position.
Love this extension. pic.twitter.com/55u5ZCSPFs
— Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) March 8, 2025
This move continues a trend of tight ends using short-term Bengals contracts as a springboard for bigger deals. If Gesicki builds on his success, Cincinnati could have found a long-term answer at the position.