Mike Gesicki Provides Flexibility, Explosiveness for Burrow
Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki can unlock another layer of quarterback Joe Burrow’s game, according to TE coach James Casey.
Mike Gesicki was drafted in 2018 by the Dolphins, with whom he spent the next five years. He recorded seasons of over 700 yards receiving twice. As well as that, his career-high 73 receptions in 2021 was fifth among tight ends in the league.
However, Mike Gesicki has struggled over the past two seasons. His last year as a Dolphin saw him record only 32 catches for 362 yards.
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After joining the flailing Patriots last season, he posted 29 catches for 244 yards. Nonetheless, there is room on the Bengals for a tight end who can catch the ball. If Gesicki can rediscover his best form, it will mean good things for Joe Burrow.
“It gives you flexibility when you feel like you have an above-average pass catcher at tight end,” Casey says. “You can put him in some receiving roles, too. You know Mike can do some of that stuff.
“Over the last five years I’ve seen him run across the field and make explosive plays. Go across the field, like on a crossing route, and he’s got enough speed and size to be able to separate and make those catches. Obviously, he can also go down the seam and his red-zone stuff is impressive.”
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In Burrow’s four Bengals seasons, no tight end has caught for more than 500 yards. Last season, Tanner Hudson lead tight ends on the team with 352.
“New team, new staff, new quarterback. Everything is new for me,” Gesicki says. “So I have to go out there and earn the trust. It’s more proving what I’m capable of doing and earning more and more opportunities once the football starts.
“It’s only April. A long way to go.”
