The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move by re-signing tight end Mike Gesicki to a three-year, $25.5 million contract, as reported by ESPN. The deal includes $12 million allocated for the 2025 season and extends through 2027, marking Gesicki as the first player from the Bengals to receive an extension this offseason.

With the new league year commencing soon, the Bengals face critical decisions, particularly regarding potential extensions for star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Recently, the team applied a franchise tag to Higgins, while they are also considering options for defensive end Trey Hendrickson amidst his trade request. In his inaugural season with Cincinnati, Gesicki caught 65 passes for 665 yards and two touchdowns, solidifying his role as a key target for quarterback Joe Burrow, trailing only Chase and Higgins in receptions.

The Cincinnati Bengals are making significant changes this offseason, starting with granting All-Pro defensive end Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade. Hendrickson has been a standout player for the Bengals over the last four seasons, amassing 17.5 sacks in each of the past two years and earning Pro Bowl honors every year since joining the team. Although he expressed gratitude for his time in Cincinnati, his departure could facilitate contract negotiations for star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

With Hendrickson's $15.8 million base salary for 2025, trading him would free up considerable cap space for the Bengals, allowing them to focus on retaining their explosive receiving duo. Chase's potential extension is particularly critical, as the Bengals aim to make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Meanwhile, Higgins, who has been franchise tagged for the second consecutive year, may also see a long-term deal come to fruition as the Bengals prioritize their offensive strengths moving forward.