The Dallas Cowboys could make a great landing spot for one the most versatile tight ends in the league.
Justin Melo from The Draft Network suggested that the Cowboys should trade for Miami Dolphins tight-end Mike Gesicki. According to Doug Kyed, Pro Football Focus, Gesicki is available for trade negotiations. Gesicki is currently playing in his first season under Mike McDaniel, which requires him to play a more blocking role.
Melo explained that Dallas should consider a move for the 26 year-old tight end because of James Washington’s Jones fracture injury and Michael Gallup’s recovery after ACL surgery.
“The Cowboys need weapons, period,” says Melo. “Michael Gallup isn’t ready to start the regular season following offseason ACL surgery and depth option James Washington recently suffered a serious foot injury at practice. The situation has forced the Cowboys to rely on third-round rookie receiver Jalen Tolbert to produce immediately.”
An analyst from Draft Network suggests that Gesicki would relieve rookie Jalen Tolbert of the pressure.
“Acquiring Gesicki would alleviate some of the pressure off Tolbert’s shoulders,” says Melo. “The Cowboys already roster an excellent tight end in Dalton Schultz, but adding Gesicki would open up new possibilities for their offense. The Cowboys love running the ball, but Gesicki could handle some passing-down duties while Schultz continues to be a dual-threat weapon as a blocker. The Cowboys currently possess approximately $18 million in cap space, via Spotrac. Jerry Jones can afford to take a chance on Gesicki. Quarterback Dak Prescott deserves more weapons.”
Melo’s argument is hard to dispute. Gesicki is actually more of a receiver rather than a tight end. Justin Fried from FanSided noted that Gesicki only played 99 snaps as an inline tight end. His snaps were 453 in the slot and 252 out wide.
Gesicki, who was drafted in the 2018 NFL Draft, was described as a “game-changing athlete” by Bleacher Report analyst Matt Miller due to his size (6-foot-5 and 247 pounds), and speed (4.54 40 yard-dash).
“Gesicki is a game-changing athlete with the size, speed and instincts to step right into an NFL offense and make plays,” said Miller in 2018. “He is versatile enough to line up in the slot and creates mismatches against nickel covermen. He might not be a great blocker, but tight ends don’t get Pro Bowl votes for opening holes in the run game.”
Gesicki’s past experience as a wide receiver, who is only listed as a tight-end, is one reason why he might be considering leaving Miami. Gesicki saw extended action in the Dolphins’ preseason match against the Las Vegas Raiders — a time that is usually reserved for backups or players trying to make it on the 53-man roster.
McDaniel replied to trade rumors on Thursday August 25, by arguing that all players are asked to block.
“People have made stuff about this, that or the other,” says McDaniel. “Whether you’re a receiver or a tight end or we even have running backs do it, you have to be able to do stuff with the ball and you have to be able to block for other people that are doing stuff with the ball. We continue to work those techniques with everyone.”
Gesicki was ranked last season as the worst offensive blocker, with a 36.6 pass blocking grade. Gesicki was ranked as the worst-blocking tightend among players with at most 100 targets.
Dalton Schultz is a pass-blocking tightend that the Cowboys have a respectable rating . He posted a 68.1 blocking score last year. Dallas could use Schultz to complement Gesicki’s wide receiver.
The question is, are the Cowboys willing to sacrifice assets for another receiver when starting tackle Tyron Smith was recently ruled out for several months due to a torn hamstring?
Dallas might have to give up draft assets in order to acquire a new tackle, rather than a receiver. This could put them out of contention for Gesicki.