The Miami Dolphins opted to franchise tag tight end Mike Gesicki this offseason – a move that would pay the former Nittany Lion a $10.93 million fully-guaranteed salary in 2021.
After the procedural move, the two sides could still have come to an agreement on a long-term deal, using the tag to give them more time to negotiate.
However, after 4:00 p.m ET on Friday, a deal can no longer be reached, per the league rules. This was the expected conclusion to this saga, as it had been reported that there weren’t really any talks about a contract in recent weeks.
While some may look at this outcome and panic, this decision makes a lot of sense from the Dolphins’ side of the table.
Miami is entering their first season with head coach Mike McDaniel at the helm. It’s known that the Kyle Shanahan system, which McDaniel will implement this season, uses in-line tight ends frequently. And, to this point in his NFL career, Gesicki hasn’t exactly proven to be a maestro in that role.
Using the franchise tag allows both sides to test their compatibility for a year, and if it works out and Gesicki flourishes, the Dolphins will have to pay him fair market value. If it struggles, he’ll have the opportunity to hit free agency in 2023 and find a new home.
This decision is just smart business by Miami.
