The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly signed one of quarterback Joe Burrow's top passing game targets to a long-term deal on Saturday. But it was not one of the two big players everybody was waiting for.
That does not mean it is not a significant deal.
The Bengals reportedly re-signed veteran tight end Mike Gesicki to a new three-year, $25 million contract extension that will keep him from reaching the unrestricted free-agent market this week.
The 2024 season was Gesicki's first year with the Bengals, and he ended up becoming a major factor in the team's passing game with 65 receptions for 665 yards. He previously played for the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots before joining the Bengals.
On one hand, Gesicki is a nice player to have back.
But it is also interesting getting him secured on a new deal took priority over everything else the Bengals are dealing with this offseason.
The top two wide receivers — Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins — are in need of long-term contracts, with Higgins being franchise-tagged for the second year in a row.
They also have to figure out a way to upgrade a defense that has been one of the league's worst the past two years, while trying to deal with the retirement of Sam Hubbard and the fact that their best defensive player, Trey Hendrickson, is shopping his services around the league in an effort to find a trade.
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