Report: Mike Gesicki could receive franchise tag from Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins reportedly could use their franchise tag on tight end Mike Gesicki this offseason. Gesicki, 26, is set to become a free agent.

According to Pro Football Network’s Mike Kaye, Gesicki and David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns are both tight end candidates who could receive franchise tags this offseason.

“Both Gesicki and Njoku are viewed as candidates to be franchise-tagged by their respective teams ahead of next week’s deadline, a league source who was granted anonymity told Pro Football Network on Monday,” Kaye wrote. “The tag is valued at around $11 million for tight ends this season.

“According to the source, $11 million ‘is a very reasonable number in the current tight end market.’ If either player were to be tagged, their clubs would have additional time and leverage to work out a long-term deal.”

Gesicki, who was a second-round pick back in the 2018 NFL Draft, has been a key part of the Dolphins’ passing game the past few seasons.

In the 2021 campaign, Gesicki was targeted 112 times and caught 73 passes for 780 yards and two touchdowns. Prior to that, in the 2020 season, Gesicki reeled in 53 of his 85 targets for 703 yards and six scores.

Miami would be wise to either bring Gesicki back or find a comparable replacement, as the team needs to surround quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with some quality weapons heading into the 2022 season.

Time will tell what the future holds for the Gesicki. It’s certainly a key offseason for him as it pertains to his career.

New Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel coached George Kittle with the San Francisco 49ers, so he has experience working with high-end talent at the tight end spot. If the Dolphins tag Gesicki, they will surely hope that he can continue to develop into one of the game’s best players at his position.