Bengals' new weapon looking forward to proving what he's capable of

The Bengals added another weapon to QB Joe Burrow's arsenal this offseason, but following a down season in 2023, he has a lot to prove.

That player is tight end Mike Gesicki, a second-round pick by the Dolphins in 2018. When Gesicki had a career-high 73 catches for 780 yards in 2021, it looked like he was going to develop into one of the better tight ends in the league.

That has not been the case, however. Gesicki hasn't been able to replicate that success the past two years, posting just 61 catches for 606 yards and seven touchdowns during the span.

Gesicki is now on his third team since entering the NFL, but he isn't focused on the past. Instead, he's looking forward to his fresh start in Cincinnati.

"New team, new staff, new quarterback. Everything is new for me," Gesicki said via the team's website. "So I have to go out there and earn the trust. It's more proving what I'm capable of doing and earning more and more opportunities once the football starts. It's only April. A long way to go."

Gesicki is only guaranteed one season with the Bengals after signing a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million with the team. It's a gamble he's taking on himself, but it's one that could pay off.

The 28-year-old will get to play with, by far, the best quarterback he's had in the league in Burrow as well as being the clear No. 1 tight end after being the No. 2 to Hunter Henry in New England last season.

Yes, Cincinnati could still add to the room in the 2024 NFL Draft, but unless it lands Georgia's Brock Bowers, who is viewed as the top tight end in the class, it will be Gesicki's room to lead.

Only time will tell if Gesicki will be able to get his career back on the track everyone thought it was on just two years ago, but it's safe to say he's set up for success in 2024.