“I’m 28 years old going on Year 7, and I feel like I’m 22 and I just got drafted,” Mike Gesicki had said in the Patriots exit interview at the end of the 2023-24 season. The Patriots could only manage a 4-13 record. Disappointed at his time on the Patriots roster, Gesicki drew a contrast between expectations and reality and was looking to do justice to his potential.
Mike Gesicki was drafted 42nd overall in the 2018 draft by the Miami Dolphins. He started the first year under Brian Flores at the Hard Rock Stadium becoming a key part of the offense. However, under Mike McDaniel, he was not actively involved in the offense. This prompted Gesicki to make a move in 2023. He signed with the New England Patriots hoping to be an active part of the offense. Unfortunately, those hopes never materialized. He acted as a 5th receiver, rather than TE1 receiving less than 50% of snaps. Bidding the 6-time champions adieu, the former Lion from Penn State signed with the Bengals. Let’s crack open the numbers vault on his contract.
What is Mike Gesicki’s salary?
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Mike Gesicki started playing in the NFL with a lucrative 8-figure contract worth $10.93 million with the Miami Dolphins. But as the Dolphins’ coaching landscape changed, he made the bold move to the New England Patriots on a one-year deal worth $4.5 million. After the season with the Patriots didn’t work out the way he had hoped, Gesicki chose to go the Cincinnati Bengals.
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The Bengals signed Gesicki for a $2.5 million in March 2024, with a base salary of $1.5 million, making up only 0.93% of the Bengals’ salary cap. His guaranteed money is $400,000, along with additional bonuses. This deal might seem pretty menial as compared to his previous 2 contracts but it isn’t just about the paycheck anymore for Gesicki—it’s about being an active part of the roster and proving his worth.
How Long is Mike Gesicki’s contract?
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“It gives you flexibility when you feel like you have an above-average pass catcher at tight end. You can put him in some receiving roles, too. You know Mike can do some of that stuff.” Bengals tight-end coach had said about Gesicki signing in April 2024 during the off-season workout.
Mike Gesicki’s contract with the Bengals is just for one year. After signing the deal in March 2024, he had the opportunity to rub shoulders with Joe Burrow during the Bengals’ off-season workouts, though the Bengals QB1 was recovering from a wrist injury at that time. Gesicki had to wait until Week 9 of the season to fully experience playing with Burrow.
On November 3, 2024, Burrow connected with Gesicki twice against the Raiders, marking a standout moment for the tight end as he racked up over 100 receiving yards for the first time since 2021. Those two passes showed the potential for a strong QB-TE duo in Cincinnati’s future. Gesicki was having the time of his life hitting ‘The Griddy’ with Ja’Marr Chase in the end zone en route to a 41-24 win.
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“Gesicki is a guy we’ve been able to lean on… Joe does a great job dispersing it (the ball) to wherever the concept’s calling for. Mike has done an excellent job capitalizing on his opportunities,” Zac Taylor said about the Burrow-Gesicki pair after the game.
With better performances, Gesicki could lay the foundation for a brighter, more rewarding future with the Bengals. A successful run with a top-tier quarterback like Burrow could be exactly what Gesicki needs to secure his place in Cincinnati or even set him up for a new city where he can build a long-term future.
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Can Gesicki's partnership with Joe Burrow unlock his true potential in Cincinnati's offense?
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Can Gesicki's partnership with Joe Burrow unlock his true potential in Cincinnati's offense?
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