Mike Gesicki is officially locked in for next season. The Dolphins tight end has inked his franchise tender, reports ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter).
The tag value for tight ends is set at $10.93MM, though that positional label could have been problematic in Gesicki’s case. Rarely used as an in-line blocker, the former second rounder primarily lines up in the slot to maximize his skill set. As a result, the possibility existed for him to file a grievance to be listed as a receiver.
Gesicki may have been willing to tolerate the TE tag because he’s anticipating a long-term deal with the Dolphins. The team sides could still ink an extension over the next few months.
The 26-year-old was considered one of this year’s top candidates for the tag, given the increasing role he has taken on within the Dolphins’ offense over his career. In the past three seasons, he has totaled 177 catches, 2,053 yards and 13 touchdowns. He would have been one of the most sought-after TEs on the open market. Instead, he’ll be sticking around Miami for at least another season.
I thought the Dolphins were looking to SIGNIFICANTLY upgrade their offense…
So far they have added:
Kept Gesicki w/franchise tag
Signed a #3/#4 WR in Cedrick Wilson
Signed a backup RB/3DRB in Chase Edmunds
Signed a backup QB in Teddy Bridgewater
I hope they have alot more in store for their fans making proclamations like they have, because I doubt they’re happy with two backup weapons and a backup QB..
I wouldn’t blame fans for being disappointed; HOWEVER, they did really need to acquire more depth offensively, so they’ve accomplished that.
I’m just surprised they haven’t done anything on their OL or defensively, other than resigning Ogbah (Which was a huge priority though).
At least this way, they can really hyper focus on their other needs in the draft, and by adding depth they’ll be in a better position to draft BPA, since they’ve already filled a dew of their needs…
I really want McDaniel to succeed, but they still have a ways to go, from a roster talent and depth perspective, to remain competitive with the Bills and even the Patriots…