Report: Bengals bringing in Gesicki on 1-year deal

Free-agent tight end Mike Gesicki is signing a one-year contract worth up to $3.25 million, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Bengals also brought back tight end Drew Sample on a three-year deal reportedly worth $10.5 million, but the club needed further reinforcements at the position with Tanner Hudson and Irv Smith Jr. both hitting free agency.

With Sample primarily used as a blocker, Gesicki should be Cincinnati's top pass-catching tight end.

Gesicki started his career strong after being drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the second round in 2018. He produced 126 catches for 1,483 yards and eight touchdowns between the 2020 and 2021 seasons, prompting the Dolphins to use the franchise tag to retain him for the following campaign.

However, Gesicki had only 32 catches for 362 yards and five scores in 2022 and was allowed to hit free agency. He signed with the New England Patriots in 2023 but had his fewest catches (29) and receiving yards (244) since his rookie season.