Field-stretching tight ends are all the rage in today's NFL. A dynamic pass-catcher that can provide his offense with an advantage when faced with one-on-one coverage against opposing linebackers and safeties carries tremendous value in a league that's becoming more and more pass-happy. Offenses are constantly evolving and the “big slot” tight end has become more prevalent as offenses look to spread defenses thinner and create spacing opportunities for their playmakers. The Miami Dolphins have yet to reach an agreement on a contract extension with tight end Mike Gesicki. With free agency less than two weeks away, Gesicki currently appears set to reach the open market. Gesicki would immediately become a popular target for a plethora of teams who are looking to improve their passing attack. Gesicki experienced a career-best season with the Dolphins by recording 73 receptions, 780 yards, and two touchdowns. The former Penn State standout is a high-level athlete at the position that can move all over the formation while creating mismatches and headaches for opposing defensive coordinators. Gesicki lacks the blocking chops to play in-line consistently, a fact that could deem him expendable under new head coach Mike McDaniel, who is bringing a system change to Miami's offense. Several teams would benefit from adding Gesicki to their offense, and he no longer appears like a fit for Miami's changing scheme. We've identified three potential suitors for Gesicki in free agency.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

This offseason is all about surrounding franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence with more high-level options in the passing game. Jacksonville's roster requires dynamic playmakers at almost every skill position, and the need for a game-changing tight end is especially ever-present. Lawrence began building chemistry with midseason acquisition Dan Arnold toward the end of the campaign, but Arnold is never going to be a legitimate No. 1 tight end for their passing offense. Arnold's versatile skill set is best complemented by a pass-catcher that can do more damage up the seam as a creative and effective route-runner. Jacksonville represents the ideal type of landing spot for Gesicki. New head coach Doug Pederson previously did terrific work with a similar skill set in Zach Ertz in Philadelphia and is the type of coach and play-caller that understands how to best utilize an elite pass-catching tight end within his offensive system. Jacksonville's roster desperately needs this type of player in order to maximize Pederson's play-calling capabilities. Gesicki won't come cheap, but the Jaguars possess more than $56 million in available cap space, via Spotrac. A good portion of that money needs to be used on the offensive side of the ball, and Gesicki should be identified as a potential target.

NEW YORK JETS

Rookie quarterback Zach Wilson experienced a middling debut campaign, and Jets general manager Joe Douglas must make offseason decisions with Wilson's continued development in mind. The Jets began laying down the foundation for offensive growth last offseason by adding the likes of Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Michael Carter to their offense, and now it's time to make a big-fish addition at the tight end position. An expert pass-catching tight end can truly change the trajectory of a young quarterback's career, and Wilson could use that type of dependable target going forward. Douglas should seriously consider retooling the entire tight end room this offseason. Ryan Griffin was the team's most productive pass-catching tight end in 2021, and he recorded just 261 receiving yards. Griffin finished eighth on the team in receiving yards. It's a haunting statistic and fact on an offense whose leading receiver (Moore) totaled just 538 yards. New York's top-seven receiving yards leaders were made up of five wide receivers and two running backs. Changes are undeniably coming. Tyler Kroft is an unrestricted free agent and so are several receivers including Jamison Crowder, Keelan Cole, and Braxton Berrios. Douglas needs to add at least one elite performer at tight end, in addition to several capable receivers. The Jets have the cap space ($44.7 million) to recruit Gesicki to East Rutherford in a few weeks' time.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

The Cardinals would have to work some salary-cap-related magic in order to afford Gesicki as things stand, but where there's a will, there's a way. A contract extension for disgruntled franchise quarterback Kyler Murray could create some immediate financial freedom as newly-extended general manager Steve Keim begins implementing his offseason strategies. The releases and/or restructures of several veteran performers could also create additional cap space. Both Maxx Williams and Ertz are currently set to become unrestricted free agents in mid-March. Arizona's willingness to acquire Ertz midseason signals their affinity for pass-catching tight ends in Kliff Kingsbury's version of the spread offense. Arizona loves to spread defenses thin by placing quarterback Murray in shotgun formation while providing him with as many pass-catching options as possible all over the field. Arizona's offense thrives on space, elusiveness, and timing. The Cardinals love four-receiver sets and are among the league leaders in play-action usage. Gesicki may be a "tight end" by definition, but he offers little as a traditional tight end or in-line blocker. Gesicki does his best work when used as a "big slot" receiver that can also flex outside on occasion. In 2021, Gesicki ran 453 snaps (56%) out of the slot and 252 snaps outside (31%) compared to just 99 snaps (13%) in-line. He certainly fits the profile of a Cardinals tight end.