Cincinnati, OH — When the Cincinnati Bengals signed tight end Mike Gesicki, most fans expected a reliable red zone option and an experienced safety valve for Joe Burrow. But what they’re seeing in training camp has been far more intriguing — and surprising.
Gesicki isn’t just catching balls in traffic or running traditional tight end routes. He’s being lined up in the slot, split wide, and even motioned into backfield formations. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher is cooking something bold, and Gesicki seems to be the centerpiece of a whole new wrinkle in the Bengals’ attack.
“We didn’t bring Mike here just to block,” said a team insider.
“He’s moving like a big receiver, and the mismatches he’s creating? Scary.”
The former Dolphin and Patriot has already built chemistry with Joe Burrow in red zone drills, hauling in multiple touchdowns against first-team defense. But what’s even more eye-opening is how Gesicki is being used in tempo packages and hurry-up offenses, suggesting he may be on the field a lot more than most predicted.
Gesicki, known for his athleticism and basketball-like body control, is relishing the creative freedom:
“This offense gives me room to be myself,” Gesicki said.
“I’m not just a tight end. I’m a weapon.”
As the Bengals prepare for a Super Bowl push, having a versatile chess piece like Gesicki might be exactly what the team needs to stay ahead of evolving NFL defenses. And with Tee Higgins’ contract situation still uncertain, Gesicki could find himself in a bigger role faster than anyone expected.
Is Mike Gesicki about to become Cincinnati’s surprise star of 2025?
If training camp is any indication — yes.
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