The Miami Dolphins reportedly have brought up tight end Mike Gesicki’s name in trade talks this offseason.
While Gesicki has played a major role in Miami’s offense the past few seasons, he is set to play the 2022 campaign on the franchise tag after the two sides failed to reach a long-term deal this offseason.
According to Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed, a trade isn’t imminent, but Miami is certainly willing to discuss one.
“In fact, the Dolphins have ‘brought up’ Gesicki’s name to other teams, a league source told PFF,” Kyed wrote. “That doesn’t mean anything will transpire, but Miami has been willing to engage in conversations.”
A second-round pick back in the 2018 NFL Draft, Gesicki 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. In the 2020 season, Gesicki reeled in 53 of his 85 targets for 703 yards and six scores.
However, with the additions of Tyreek Hill and Cedrick Wilson Jr. to Miami’s offense, Gesicki is potentially in line for a smaller role in the 2022 season. Since he is not known as a blocking tight end, Gesicki is having to transform his game under new head coach Mike McDaniel.
Mike Gesicki just can’t block pic.twitter.com/oiAd8TxWzA
— Nico (@elitetakes_) August 21, 2022
McDaniel worked with an elite blocking tight end in George Kittle during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, but Gesicki is more of a receiver. He actually played a lot more than other starters in the Dolphins’ last preseason game and claimed he could use the extra reps.
“I need it,” Gesicki said. “I need all the reps I can get. I mean, I played receiver last year, I’ve played receiver the past three or four years. I’m playing tight end now and any reps I can get live, out there blocking, putting my hands on another guy and going out there, working hard and blocking; honestly, just working on my footwork and my hand placement, all that kind of stuff. Any reps I can get at that, I can use it.”
If the Dolphins don’t see Gesicki as part of their long-term plans, it could make sense to trade him for draft compensation prior to the start of the regular season. That would open up opportunities for the team to play more traditional tight ends in McDaniel’s offense.
