INDIANAPOLIS — Miami Dolphins free agent Mike Gesicki is a prime candidate for the franchise tag — so long as the league considers him a tight end and not a wide receiver. The distinction is important (roughly $7 million in salary). During his first NFL Combine press conference as a head coach, Mike McDaniel indicated that Gesicki has all the tools to be a tight end in his offensive system.
Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel on Mike Gesicki
Gesicki was largely used as a receiver in 2021, the final year of his contract. It was a function of the team knowing his skill set presented a difficult coverage matchup for defense. And it was an acknowledgment that Gesicki’s blocking skills, even in Year 4, left something to be desired.
But McDaniel, speaking here at the NFL Combine on Wednesday, expressed confidence in Gesicki’s strength at the point of attack.
“I think there’s multiple ways to use players that have skill sets that can help you do things offensively,” McDaniel said. “We’ve had tight ends in our history that have been featured pass receivers. And we’ve had featured blockers. On both ends of the spectrum, they are expected and will do both things, majoring or minoring in one or the other, depending on their skill set.
“I have no problem, no hesitation, or no concern of Mike being able to contribute as a blocker, and we’ll use him the way that’s most appropriate for him,” he continued. “We’ll do the same thing for him in the pass game.”
Will Gesicki be in Miami long-term?
A couple of interesting points. During his press conference, McDaniel spoke declaratively and in the present and future tenses about Gesicki. That could be a tell that the Dolphins have already decided to keep him in 2022. And, whether intentionally or not, it conveys the team’s belief that Gesicki is indeed a tight end and not a wide receiver.
There is some speculation that he and his agent Jimmy Sexton could file a grievance if the Dolphins tag Gesicki as a tight end. There is some precedent if they do. Terrell Suggs fought his designation tag as a linebacker in 2008, and the Ravens ultimately agreed to pay him the average of a linebacker and defensive end. If that’s the ultimate end game with Gesicki, his tag figure would be in the neighborhood of $14.5 million.
In four years, Gesicki has totaled 199 catches for 2,255 yards and 13 touchdowns.