Bengals predicted to trade for $32 million former Pro Bowler to replace Mike Gesicki

The Cincinnati Bengals have a pivotal offseason ahead, as the franchise must find a way to bolster a roster that has missed the playoffs in two straight seasons and posted a 9-8 record in 2024 despite historic campaigns from quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. 

Though the Bengals had an underwhelming 2024 campaign, one player who exceeded expectations is tight end Mike Gesicki. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal with Cincinnati last offseason and had 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns this season.

Gesicki established himself as a reliable security blanket for Burrow this year, but the former Penn State standout will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and should have a competitive market. If the Bengals are unable to retain the 2018 second-round pick, ESPN's Benjamin Solak predicts the team will trade for Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts to replace Gesicki.

"Tight end Kyle Pitts is due $10.8 million on the final year of his deal in 2025," Solak wrote. "Can the Falcons get more for him in a trade than they would in a compensatory pick after he leaves in free agency? I think they could, as he has a rosier future on an offense that actually fits his skill set. My prediction: Pitts will get dealt to the Bengals for a Day 3 pick."

Pitts has had a disappointing career thus far, given he was a top-five selection. The former Florida Gator has tallied just one 1,000-yard campaign in four seasons and posted just 47 receptions for 602 yards and four touchdowns in 2024.

Though Pitts hasn't been the superstar many thought he'd be, a change of scenery could be what the 24-year-old needs to reach his potential. Pitts is still on his rookie contract and wouldn't cost too much to acquire, as Solak believes a Day 3 pick should get a deal done with Atlanta.

Burrow threw to tight ends more in 2024 than in years past. Supplying the former No.1 overall pick with a talented playmaker at the position like Pitts could be lethal. The 2021 No.4 overall pick could reach a new level if placed in a Bengals offense that is centered around a dynamic aerial attack, and it would be a nice low-risk, high-reward deal for Cincinnati, as Pitts doesn't have many years left on his deal and doesn't have the highest trade value.