Tight end Mike Gesicki has been reliable for the Miami Dolphins over the past two seasons.
In 2020, the former Penn State standout had 703 yards and six touchdowns.
Last season, he followed that up with 780 yards and two scores.
He may not be the best among the lot but he gets the job done for a Dolphins team that went 10-6 in 2020 and 9-8 in 2021 after a 1-7 start.
But despite his production, the Dolphins assigned him the franchise tag for 2022.
For one thing, the $10.9 million tag value among tight ends is one of the most cap-friendly among all positions.
Perhaps that approach helps them maintain their financial flexibility to add players like Tyreek Hill, Chase Edmonds, and Terron Armstead.
But SB Nation’s Justin Hier has a plausible explanation for Gesicki’s tag.
#Dolphins get to see how Mike Gesicki fits in a new offense before committing long-term.
Also gives the team another year to examine 2021 3rd-round pick Hunter Long as a potential replacement. https://t.co/z4ras4xZgF
— Justin Hier (@HierJustin) July 14, 2022
Hier tweeted, “#Dolphins get to see how Mike Gesicki fits in a new offense before committing long-term. Also gives the team another year to examine 2021 3rd-round pick Hunter Long as a potential replacement.”
New head coach Mike McDaniel will bring an offensive system that will be way different than what Brian Flores had.
Therefore, it’s fair to assess if Gesicki is the right person for the role.
The 2022 season will be an audition to prove that he can be productive under McDaniel’s scheme.
Hunter Long Could Show Promise
While evaluating Gesicki, Long’s emergence could make him the Dolphins’ preferred tight end.
He also presents a great monetary value because he is still under a rookie contract, giving Miami three seasons of cost-friendly base salaries.
Meanwhile, they would have to give Gesicki a fair market value as a veteran.
That difference in salaries could be the driving factor for their decision, especially if they ended up having comparable stats.
NEXT: Is Tyreek Hill Enough To Help Tua Tagovailoa?