The Dallas Cowboys could be looking for a reliable weapon in the red zone.
As suggested by SB Nation’s Brian Martin of Blogging the Boys, one of the “potential” names the Cowboys could consider before the trade deadline is Mike Gesicki of the New England Patriots. As Martin argues, there has been a lack of production at the tight end position following the departure of former starter Dalton Schultz.
With second-year tight end Jake Ferguson leading the way, the first-year starter managed just 21 receptions for 190 receiving yards and one touchdown. Among all tight ends, Ferguson is only 12th in receptions and 15th in receiving yards.
“Whether it was the scheme, the play, or Dak Prescott’s lack of confidence, the Cowboys haven’t gotten much production from the TE position through the first six weeks of the 2023 season,” Martin wrote. “Adding a proven veteran like the names listed above before the trade deadline could improve said production.”
Why the Cowboys would benefit from Mike Gesicki.
Martin discussed Gesicki — who threw for 18 touchdowns for the Miami Dolphins from 2019 to 2022 — as someone who could help address Dallas’ red zone struggles this season. Gesicki ranked seventh among all tight ends in touchdown receptions during that span.
“Whether it was the scheme, the play, or Dak Prescott’s lack of confidence, the Cowboys haven’t gotten much production from the TE position through the first six weeks of the 2023 season,” Martin wrote. “Adding a proven veteran like the names listed above before the trade deadline could improve said production.”
The Cowboys currently rank 26th in red zone efficiency (39.1%), down sharply from first place in the same category last season.
Mike Gesicki’s production has decreased over the last few seasons.
Gesicki, 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, has the most impressive athletic achievements of the three named – Hunter Henry and Zach Ertz are the others. However, his production has dipped slightly over the past two seasons.
Gesicki’s playing time decreased during the 2022 season in his final year with the Miami Dolphins. With Mike McDaniels taking over as head coach, Gesicki’s name was mentioned in trade rumors during the offseason.
However, Gesicki remains a member of the Dolphins, but his playing time is down – partly due to a lack of blocking skills – as he plays 45% of the offensive snaps in the 2022 season, down from 72% . during the 2021 season.
The reduced playing time left Gesicki with just 32 receptions for 362 receiving yards, compared to his career high of 73 receptions for 780 receiving yards this season. solve first.
In his first season with the Patriots, Gesicki played second fiddle to Henry. He saw action on 52% of the offensive snaps, but the offense didn’t really utilize his full strength late in his sixth year. Gesicki has yet to throw a touchdown this season while making 15 receptions in 144 receiving yards.
By comparison, Gesicki produced a touchdown-to-reception ratio of 6.4 last season.
Considering the Patriots are likely in fire sale mode ahead of the October 31 deadline – they’re 1-5 and ranked 31st in the NFL in scoring at 12.0 points per game – Dallas should ask about Gesicki. A low draft pick — perhaps a sixth-round pick — could be enough to seal a deal for the 28-year-old.