CINCINNATI — The Bengals signed Mike Gesicki to a three-year, $25.5 million extension on Monday. Getting the deal done before free agency was a wise move.
The tight end market has moved slow since the negotiating window opened, but the Saints are signing tight end Juwan Johnson to a three-year deal worth $30.75 million. The deal can be worth up to $34.5 million.
The veteran gets $21.25 million guaranteed according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Johnson, 28, had a career-high 50 catches for 548 yards and three touchdowns for the Saints last year.
Meanwhile, Gesicki had 65 catches for 665 yards and two scores last season. Both guys are effective tight ends, but the Bengals got better value.
Getting deals done before free agency is usually the best way to do business and this is the latest example of that, with the Bengals keep a key piece and not having to pay the "free agent tax" in the process.
