Miami Dolphins: 3 players who could replace Mike Gesicki in 2023

Miami Dolphins replacements for Mike Gesicki: Hayden Hurst

The most obvious route to finding an established replacement for Gesicki is through free agency.

Unfortunately for the Dolphins, there aren’t a lot of tight ends with young, fresh legs in the free agency class of 2023. The other tight end in the league that will be playing under the franchise tag is Dalton Shultz, who will likely have a similar or even higher price tag than Gesicki. Though he is the youngest and most attractive option.

But perhaps instead of signing their tight end of the future, the Dolphins instead go with a one or two-year deal for an established veteran who McDaniel can plug and play right away into his system? There are loads of options for guys who will be 29 and 30 years old next off-season.

One of the names that Miami could have an eye on is Hayden Hurst, who played his last two seasons with the Falcons after playing for the Ravens to begin his career. The former first-round pick had a solid season in 2020, catching 56 balls for 571 yards and collecting 6 touchdowns in the process. He has been known to be better than serviceable in the run-blocking game, which is something that will be on a high list of priorities for the front office during their impending search.

Austin Hooper, Even Engram, and Robert Tonyan Jr. are all set to be free agents in 2023 as well.