Gesicki Should Be At The Top Of Cincinnati’s List
Syndication: The Providence Journal
As the October 31st trade deadline approaches, most of the chatter around the Bengals surrounds the running back position. With Chase Brown recently moved to injured reserve it’s understandable that finding Joe Mixon a suitable back up would take priority. Especially given Mixon’s mediocre performance thus far in 2023. But a if you take a look past the most immediate need, just as strong as an argument could be made to add a different could sort of weapon for Joe Burrow.
The tight end position has been a particular weak point for the Bengals this year, as all four Bengals tight ends (Tanner Hudson, Irv Smith Jr., Drew Sample, and Mitchell Wilcox) have combined for 107 receiving yards on the season. To put that in perspective, Travis Kelce had 143 receiving yards in one half last week for the Chiefs against the Chargers.
If they are to make a move for one at the deadline, one option is New England’s Mike Gesicki.
The Bengals have never truly utilized the tight end position as much as most teams around the league have. However, with Irv Smith missing two games so far and not having more than 17 yards in a game this season, a change at the position may be needed.
Gesicki was a solid receiving tight end in Miami for five seasons, as he totaled 2617 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. This past offseason, he was signed by New England to a one year contract worth $4.5 million. Thus far in his Patriots career, he has 17 receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown, which was a game winner against Buffalo in Week 7.
MAC JONES TO MIKE GESICKI!
HIT THE GRIDDY!!!! pic.twitter.com/mvYKmo8HEQ
— Savage (@SavageSports_) October 22, 2023
His 2023 production has been slightly below that of teammate Hunter Henry, who has 20 catches for 215 yards and two TDs.
The Patriots, however, have struggled this season, as they have a 2-5 record and are in last place in the AFC East. With the Bengals in win-now mode and the Patriots potentially shifting towards a rebuild, trading Gesicki to New England for draft capital would be an excellent fit.
Gesicki is no stranger to feeling love from Cincinnati, either. When free agency opened this past offseason, Mike Hilton was making a Twitter pitch to get Gesicki to arrive in the Queen City.
🤷🏾♂️ it’s waiting on you….
— Mike Hilton (@MikeHilton_28) March 16, 2023
While Cincinnati is historically known to be inactive around the deadline, there is a sense of urgency in the organization right now. The two-time defending AFC North champions find themselves at 3-3 and in last place in the division. They also have the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL this year.
Making a move for Mike Gesicki could shift the needle.
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