Another major Bengals offseason domino has fallen.
With the fate of several star players in limbo, Cincinnati re-signed tight end Mike Gesicki to a three-year, $25.5 million deal, according to NFL Network.
The reunion comes as the Bengals face major decisions on two star receivers — Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase — this offseason.
Earlier this week, Cincinnati franchise-tagged Higgins for the second straight season, which was reportedly a decision made “with the intent of continuing to work toward a long-term deal” with the pass-catcher.
Chase, who won the receiving triple crown with 127 catches, 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns last season, has also made it known that he wants a long-term deal from the franchise before becoming an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
In yet another move this week, the Bengals gave star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson permission to seek a trade.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has made it clear he wants to keep the band together, pressuring the organization to keep Higgins, Chase and Hendrickson at different times over recent months.
Gesicki, 29, had one of the best seasons of his career in 2024, his first in Cincinnati, catching 65 passes for 665 yards with two touchdowns.
In seven NFL seasons, Gesicki has 325 receptions for 3,526 yards and 22 touchdowns, spending time with the Dolphins and Patriots.
After the Bengals’ last game of the season in January, Burrow advocated for the team to bring back the veteran tight end.
“That guy was so valuable for us all year, and a guy that, in my opinion, we need to bring back,” Burrow said on Jan. 4, per ESPN.
The Bengals are looking to get back to the postseason after finishing 9-8 and out of the playoff picture in each of the past two seasons.