Who has finally agreed to continue with the Bengals and will try, alongside Joe Burrow, to secure that coveted Super Bowl ticket is none other than tight end Mike Gesicki, who, after becoming a free agent, will stay in Ohio for three more years.

The news was reported by NFL insider Ian Rapoport, who, through his X (formerly Twitter) account @RapSheet, provided more details about the deal between the former Patriots and Dolphins player and the Bengals.

“The #Bengals are closing in on a deal to bring back a key free agent, as TE Mike Gesicki is expected to return, sources say. The pass-catching TE broke out in 2024 with 65 catches for 665 yards and 2 TDs. Now, in Cincy to stay,” Rapoport reported.

NFL insider Adam Schefter also added: “Tight end Mike Gesicki is re-signing with the Benglas on a three-year, $25.5 million deal, per sources. The three-year deal for Mike Gesicki includes $12 million in year one.”

To battle in the AFC North

Last season, a positive record of nine wins and eight losses was not enough for Zac Taylor’s team to go further in the league. Behind the Ravens and Steelers, they finished in third place in the AFC North, far from the aspirations set at the beginning of the season.

This year, things are expected to be different. Joe Burrow knows his talent, and it must be utilized in the best possible way, surrounding the former LSU star with players who understand his playing style.

With an interesting draft ahead, along with what can be acquired during the offseason, the Bengals aim to stop being a supporting actor in the division and step up as contenders to fight until the end.

Mike Gesicki, for instance, left the Dolphins after many years but stayed in the AFC East. The tight end, who hit the free agency after his deal in Miami expired, agreed on a one-year contract with the Patriots.

Playing for such a storied franchise under such a legendary coach is definitely attractive for any football player. However, it wasn’t Bill Belichick what makesGesicki feel so excited about moving to New England.

Mike Gesicki excited about reunion with Bill O’Brien at Patriots

Though there are many reasons to be excited about his new chapter, Gesicki looks particularly thrilled about playing for Bill O’Brien. The current Patriots offensive coordinator was the one who recruited the tight end to Penn State, where O’Brien served as head coach. However, he left to coach the Texans before Gesicki got to play, so it’s a reunion the former Dolphins player was looking forward to.

“So I knew OB going all the way back to my high school days. So it was funny after we agreed on everything and he called me ten years later now,” Gesicki told the Patriots’ website, via ProFootballTalk. “But it’s exciting to finally be able to play for him and already having those relationships formed, so I’m excited.”

Gesicki is an excitingaddition for a Patriots offense that left a lot to be desired in 2022. With O’Brien back at the helm, it will be interesting to see if these moves ultimately help Mac Jones.

Many were surprised to see New England letting wide receiver Jakobi Meyers go, but the team later pulled off an interesting move. JuJu Smith-Schuster, who comes from a Super Bowl victory with the Chiefs, is heading to Foxborough.

But Patrick Mahomes is not the only quarterback in the AFC who lost a weapon to the Patriots. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will also see one of his former teammates play for the divisional rivals this year.

Patriots sign former Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki

Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported Friday that the Patriots agreed on terms with free agent tight end Mike Gesicki on a one-year, $9 million deal. It’s a smartmove by New England, not only because it improves its offense, but also because it weakens an AFC East rival.

Gesicki, 27, spent five seasons in Miami after being selected by the Fins in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. His addition is great news for Mac Jones, since Gesickiproved to be a great partner for all quarterbacks he played with in South Beach.

Though he didn’t know what was next for him, the tight end had already anticipated his departure from the Dolphins before hitting the open market. “Everyone that knows me knows I would stay in South Florida forever, time will tell. No matter what and no matter where, the show goes on,” Gesicki tweeted in January.