Mike Check: Bengals Re-Sign Gesicki, Backup Tight End

According to Adam Schefter, Gesicki signed a three-year deal worth $25.5 million.

On its face, that feels fair for a player of Gesicki’s caliber. Both the total value and the average annual value ($8.5 million) currently rank 14th among active tight ends. It’s a raise off of the $2.5 million he made in 2024 without coming close to the top of the market, and it’s a safe assumption that the guaranteed money won’t become an issue.

Gesicki has had a turbulent seven seasons in the NFL, peaking with the Miami Dolphins when he posted 73 catches for 780 yards and two scores. In the next two seasons, Gesicki struggled, generating just 606 yards across two seasons with the Dolphins and New England Patriots.

In 2024, he entered the revolving door of Bengals tight ends and found success as an ancillary part of Cincinnati’s offense. After a 65-catch, 665-yard season, he’ll receive a raise that all but guarantees his spot as a starter in 2025.

Further fighting off speculation about adding a rookie tight end, Hudson’s extension will give him the opportunity to compete for the second tight end spot in the summer. A year after receiving 50 targets, he found just 23 looks in 2024. He remained reliable, converting them into 19 catches, 154 yards, and a touchdown.

Hudson’s appeal comes from his ability to be a competent security blanket and a versatile blocker. He played a mere 119 snaps in 2024 – 34 as a blocker – but flashed enough to keep his spot in the tight end room as Erick All enters his second season.

It isn’t clear how much Hudson’s contract is worth, although it is a one-year deal and likely closer to the league minimum than Gesicki’s $8.5 million mark.