Mike Gesicki may not have been the headline grabber when the Bengals signed him this past offseason, but he’s quickly shown he’s more than just a role player; he’s become an essential part of Cincinnati’s offensive puzzle. As conversations swirl around his future, it looks increasingly likely that the Bengals will look to re-sign him. While this isn’t set in stone and can’t be taken as confirmed news, the sentiment is palpable.
Bengals director of player personnel Duke Tobin recently voiced his confidence in Gesicki, stating firmly, “Mike Gesicki is a priority for us.” It’s clear that the organization recognizes the significant contributions he made, particularly during stretches when Tee Higgins was sidelined. Despite a rocky start to the season in terms of usage, Gesicki rebounded to have a career year, showcasing his ability to adapt and shine when called upon.
Head coach Zac Taylor has pointed out the team’s learning curve regarding Gesicki’s incorporation into the game plan. By the end of the season, he was firing on all cylinders, demonstrating that the earlier hesitance to utilize him effectively was merely a bump in the road. Questions linger about why it took the coaching staff so long to realize his fit, but the important takeaway is how seamlessly he acclimated to the offense when fully unleashed.
From Gesicki’s perspective, the motivation to remain in Cincinnati is strong. Coming off a career year and grateful to be part of a dynamic offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow, Gesicki has found a landing spot that could offer him consistent production—think 600+ receiving yards annually. Transitioning to a new team would introduce uncertainty about his role, while staying with the Bengals provides a ready-made opportunity to further build on his success.
As the Bengals look to bolster their roster, they might consider adding some fresh talent at the tight end position. LSU’s Mason Taylor showed out at the 2025 NFL Combine, proving he has the pedigree and performance history to make waves. The son of a Hall of Fame defensive lineman, Taylor has been consistent for the LSU Tigers throughout his college career.
Another intriguing prospect is Texas tight end Gunnar Helm. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 240 pounds, he has the physical attributes to be an effective receiving weapon for the Bengals. While Helm’s production has been somewhat spotty—only notching one standout season—his instincts on the field are elite, which could translate well to the professional level.
In short, Mike Gesicki’s story with the Bengals is far from over. With a talent like his and the potential for additions that could enhance the unit’s performance, Cincinnati is on the brink of crafting something special in their offense. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Gesicki will continue to be a key player in Cincinnati’s evolving narrative.
