This offseason, the Miami Dolphins placed the franchise tag on tight end Mike Gesicki, as he was set to hit free agency heading other his fifth season.
At this point, Gesicki is set to play on the tag which would pay him $10.93 million for 2022. However, teams can agree to long-term deals with their franchised players until July 15.
This week, the Cleveland Browns and tight end David Njoku, who had been franchise tagged, agreed to a four-year contract worth $56.75 million ($14.19 million annually).
Through four seasons, Gesicki has played 64 games, recording 199 receptions, 2,255 yards and 13 touchdowns. Njoku, in five seasons, has played 65 games, bringing in 168 receptions for 1,754 yards and 15 touchdowns.
When Gesicki signed his franchise tag, it looked like a long-term deal for him could be worth $12 million per season, but with the news of the deal, Gesicki will probably be asking for more.
There’s a chance that the Dolphins just wait through the year to see what Gesicki looks like in Mike McDaniel’s offense. They’ll be willing to take the risk on a more expensive contract and be willing to move on with the remaining group if Gesicki doesn’t perform to their standards.
Either way, Njoku’s deal is good news for Gesicki.