Dolphins Rumors: Mike Gesicki Unlikely to Get New Contract Before July 15 Deadline

Veteran tight end Mike Gesicki and the Miami Dolphins do not appear close on a contract extension.

Gesicki, who is set to play the 2022 season on the franchise tag, and the Dolphins haven't "really engaged in contract negotiations," according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, and it's unlikely he receives a deal by the July 15 deadline.

The Dolphins placed the franchise tag on Gesicki in March and Garafolo reported at the time that there had been no negotiations in regards to a long-term contract extension. He is the first player to be franchise-tagged by the Fins since Jarvis Landry in 2018.

If the two sides are unable to agree to a deal, Gesicki will earn $10.931 million in 2022. It's a considerable raise from the $1.4 million he made in 2021, but the 26-year-old likely would have earned more this coming season if he was a free agent.

Gesicki has emerged as a considerable threat at tight end since being selected in the second round of the 2018 draft out of Penn State. During his rookie season in 2018, he caught just 22 passes for 202 yards in 16 games.

The New Jersey native elevated his game in 2019, catching 51 passes for 570 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games, before taking another step forward in 2020, catching 53 passes for 703 yards and six touchdowns.

Gesicki followed that with 73 catches for 780 yards and two scores in 17 games last season. He is expected to remain a big part of Miami's offense in 2022.

Miami's passing attack as a whole is expected to take a step forward in 2022 with the additions of Tyreek Hill and Cedrick Wilson Jr. to go along with Jaylen Waddle and Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback.