Fansided

Top 30 NFL free agents in 2022

CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 10: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 10: Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 07: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a first quarter reception against the Houston Texans at Hard Rock Stadium on November 07, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

22. Mike Gesicki

Gesicki is listed as a tight end but he lines up almost exclusively in the slot for the Dolphins. That may cause some issues if Miami tries to use the franchise tag on him this offseason, but for the purposes of this list he seems headed for free agency.

Teams looking for two-way tight ends who can help them in the run game won’t be interested in Gesicki. The only value he’s going to provide as a team is as a pass-catcher who can get down the seam and make big plays. In particular, Gesicki’s ability to win contested catches at a better-than-average rate could make him a huge asset to the right team.

His lack of ability (or willingness?) to engage as a run blocker might limit his market slightly, but he’s just the sort of difference-maker offensive coaches salivate over in the pass game. Don’t be surprised if he ends up getting a wide receiver contract despite being technically listed as a tight end.

The Dolphins aren’t in a position to let high-end offensive talent walk. They need to keep Gesicki to help build a comfortable ecosystem for their quarterback. The franchise tag looms large here.