Miami Dolphins place franchise tag on Mike Gesicki, bringing him back for fifth season

According to a league source, the Miami Dolphins have placed the franchise tag on tight end Mike Gesicki, bringing him back for a fifth season.

In each of his four seasons in the league, the second-round pick has increased his reception and receiving yards. Only six tight ends have more catches than Gesicki has. He has 2,255 receiving yards in the NFL.

Spotrac estimated Gesicki's market value to be $44 million over four years, when he was set to become an unrestricted free agent. The Dolphins kept five active tight ends and used a third-round pick on Hunter Long in 2021. Gesicki was as productive as all of them.

The Dolphins and Gesicki have until July 15 to agree on a long-term contract. According to a memo obtained by ESPN, if a deal isn't reached, Gesicki will play on the franchise tender in 2022.

Throughout the season, Gesicki was asked about his contract status and he stated his happiness in Miami.

I have not thought about it this season. He said before the final game of the season that he was just letting it all play out. I let everything fall where it may and go about my business. I appreciate the organization.

I like the guys, like the locker room, and I am happy where I am. I can discuss all the things I like. We will see. We will see what happens.

The top two tight ends for the Dolphins, Gesicki and Durham Smythe, are both free agents. Long spent a lot of draft capital on the position, but he only played in seven games last season.

While not considered a blocking tight end, Gesicki is one of the premier receiving options at the position. Only six tight ends have had more than 199 catches.

He ranks eighth among tight ends in receiving yards.

Gesicki is a big man with a speed advantage over defensive backs. Since the start of the year, the Dolphins have lined up Gesicki in the slot on more than 800 occasions, the seventh most among tight ends.