The New York Giants’ No. 1 goal this offseason is to work out deals with quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. Both were key to the team’s success in 2022 and hitting free agency this offseason.
Once figuring out a plan with their two most important free agents, the next order of business will be continuing to upgrade the weapons offensively. Whether Jones is the starting quarterback in 2023 or not, this is a team that needs to upgrade its pass catchers.
A lot of attention has been given to the wide receiver position, and rightfully so. Richie James Jr. tied for the team lead in receptions last season and Darius Slayton led the team in yardage. James was mostly known as a special teams player previously with the San Francisco 49ers and Slayton was nearly cut, taking a pay cut to remain with the Giants. He didn’t receive a target until Week 4 or start until Week 6.
For this team to take that next step, the offense needs to become more dangerous. With some of the most cap space in the NFL to spend, with nearly $47 million, the Giants can make some moves.
But, instead of adding a wide receiver, what about adding a pass-catching tight end? One intriguing free agent that the Giants have been predicted to sign is tight end Mike Gesicki. The former Miami Dolphins tight end is predicted to sign a three-year, $33.3 million contract with Big Blue in free agency.
New York received excellent contributions from rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger last season. He was excellent as a blocker and safety valve for Jones on bootlegs and rollouts. However, Gesicki would provide the Giants with someone that can beat opponents up the seams.
Gesicki has the skill set of a big slot receiver. He would provide the Giants with someone that can use his size and athleticism as a mismatch against linebackers and safeties while working the middle of the field.
With Mike McDaniel taking over as head coach of the Dolphins, Gesicki was a poor fit. It showed in his production as Gesicki had the least productive season of his career other than his rookie season. But, he remained healthy, appearing in all 17 games and scoring five touchdowns, showing what kind of impact he can still have.
With Bellinger, a capable blocking tight end, pairing him with a pass catcher such as Gesicki would provide the Giants’ offense with some versatility. Mike Kafka could get really creative as the team relied on some heavy sets with multiple tight ends throughout the 2022 season.
