We’re 12 days away from the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. Leading up to final cuts, every player of the Bengals’ 90-man roster will have a profile page leading up to roster cuts. Check out previous player profiles here.

The next player of the series is one of the most experienced pass-catchers in the Bengals’ offense.

Mike Gesicki Player Profile

Age: 30
Year: 9th
Position: Tight end
College: Penn State
Jersey Number: 88

Mike Gesicki was originally selected No. 42 overall in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Prior to the NFL, Gesicki played four years (2014-17) at Penn State, starting 36 of the 51 games he played for the Nittany Lions. He ended up as the program’s all-time leading receiver among tight ends before Tyler Warren came around years later.

The Dolphins unleashed Gesicki after his rookie season. He thrived from 2019-2021, catching 177 receptions for 2,053 yards and 13 touchdowns during those three years. Miami placed the franchise tag on him in 2022, and under a new coach and scheme, slowly phased him out of the offense. He took a one-year deal with the New England Patriots in 2023, but that situation was far worse for him and his production suffered.

The Bengals signed Gesicki to a one-year, $2.5 million contract in 2024, and he fit right in. He posted 65 receptions for 665 yards and two touchdowns during Joe Burrow’s second Comeback Player of the Year campaign. This lead to his first multi-year contract in 2025, but the season that followed didn’t go as planned. He missed four games due to injury and with quarterback issues occurring before his Week 6 injury, his season-long production suffered. He put together some quality outings when Burrow returned later in the year, but finished with 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns.

Contract details

Gesicki is entering the second year of his three-year, $25,500,000 contract. His base salary is $3,050,000 this season, and can earn up to $350,000 in per game roster bonuses. He’s already earned a $2,000,000 roster bonus, and a $100,000 workout bonus this offseason. His maximum cash figure for the year is $5,500,000. When adding on his signing bonus proration of $2,166,666, his salary cap hit for the season comes out to $7,584,313.

Roster outlook

Cincinnati knows what it has in Gesicki, and when he’s on the field with Burrow, the fit is strong. He’s listed as a TE on the roster, but operates like a tall possession receiver who runs most of his routes from the slot.

The Bengals are trying to feature more traditional inline TEs into their offense this year with Erick All Jr. coming back from double ACL surgery. Gesicki’s usage will necessitate the need for an extra guy who can block. That doesn’t mean he won’t see his 100ish targets in the offense. He’s a reliable weapon, and perhaps the most unique player at his position in the league.

Roster odds: 100%