Mike Gesicki’s time with the Miami Dolphins appears to be coming to an end.
Sportsnaut.com echoed the ESPN report that Gesicki would be traded before the November 1st deadline.
As per the report from The Palm Beach Post, Gesicki has spoken on his future with the team. “ I just kind of go about my business. Whatever happens, happens.
“I’ve been here for five years now. I love it here. I’m happy to be here. And if I stay here, which I mean, I would assume, I would. I’m excited to continue to be here, make plays and you know, help the team win and move forward and all that kind of stuff for the rest of season.”
However, his time appears to be over but should this be the case? Here is why Gesicki should not be traded.
Gesicki’s Production Cannot Be Ignored
Granted, Gesicki is not a great blocking tight end but when he is given the ball, he often delivers. Despite only having 19 targets, he has still caught for 170 receiving yards and three touchdowns from 15 receptions. This has him down as 11.3 yards per reception.
Despite being 25th in the league amongst tight ends for targets, he is 16th for receiving yards and only Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews have had more touchdown catches than Gesicki in the position.
This shows the impact Gesicki has when he is given the ball. That is not enough for Gesicki. Despite his aforementioned desire to stay with the team, players want to play and he is not getting the gametime that someone with his talent deserves.
As a result, perhaps a position change is a better option than a trade.
A Move To Slot Receiver?
As said before, Gesicki is not a blocking tight end. Despite his attempts in the offseason, this part of his game has not improved.
However, he showed in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings and the catch that played a big part in the team’s comeback win over the Baltimore Ravens, he is capable of the big play and this has not been the first time.
This is why a move to slot receiver could be the best solution.
Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (despite his drops on Sunday) are the undisputed top two receivers. This is evident with them both being in the top five receivers so far this season across the league. However, Gesicki is third on the Dolphins’ list. The next best is running back Chase Edmonds with 96 yards despite only four less targets. Trent is the fifth-best Dolphins receiver so far but the wideout has 88 yards from 17 targets, two less than Gesicki. Cedrick Wilson was a big offseason addition but the former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver has just 40 yards from seven targets. This only shows further the impact that Gesicki can have as a slot receiver. He doesn’t need to go deep, as this is what Hill and Waddle can do.
They will be focused on a lot more by NFL defenses, which means that Gesicki can make an impact on shorter plays. He will be more likely to be free in the middle of the field and he can be a great option on 2nd and 6 plays or if the team needs a crucial catch in tight spaces.
Letting him go will prevent seeing some of the big plays that he is capable of.
Remembering Gesicki’s Best Moments
If he is to be traded, he will be remembered as someone who was there for some great moments.
Who can forget his winning touchdown catch as the 2019 Dolphins went to Foxboro and beat the Patriots to stop them getting a first-round bye in the playoffs.
There were two touchdowns as Miami almost completed a miraculous comeback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.
There was also a brilliant catch in the 2021 London game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mike, if you have played your last game for the team, thank you for all that you have done.
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