Who Should I Start? Mike Gesicki or T.J. Hockenson

Tuesday, March 12, 11:18 AM

Veteran free-agent tight end Mike Gesicki is joining the Cincinnati Bengals on a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million. The 2018 second-round pick has compiled 260 receptions on 415 targets for 2,861 yards and 20 touchdowns across five seasons with the Miami Dolphins and one season with the New England Patriots. The Bengals have not had an overly productive tight end in the Joe Burrow era, but if receiver Tee Higgins is granted the trade he requested on Monday, Gesicki could become a top-three option in a potent passing game. The Bengals also added tight end Drew Sample in free agency on Monday. At the very least, Gesicki should be in a strong offense with touchdown opportunities in the red zone as a touchdown-dependent TE2 in fantasy.

Thursday, May 2, 2:09 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is ahead of scheduled in his rehab this offseason, but the Vikings are committed to ensuring he is fully healthy before he plays. Last year's contract cemented the team's belief that he is one of its cornerstone players when he's healthy, and they aren't just going to rush a player like that back from a severe injury. Josh Oliver and Johnny Mundt will fill in if Hockenson needs to miss the first couple weeks of the 2204 season. Hockenson suffered a torn right ACL and MCL in late December last year, and his recovery this offseason will be a big storyline for Minnesota's offense as they move to a new era without quarterback Kirk Cousins. When healthy, Hockenson is a high-end TE1 in fantasy, but he'll come at a discounted price in drafts this fall if it's looking like he won't be ready to start the year on time.