Rick Spielman Makes a Trade Suggestion

Rick Spielman
Jun 11, 2019; Eagan, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman during a press conference following practice at TCO Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Harrison Barden-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Spielman, who is now contributing to The 33rd Team, recently made a trade suggestion. It caught my eye because he used to be Minnesota’s GM and because it pertains to an area of uncertainty on the Vikings roster.

In Spielman’s mind, it makes some sense for Miami to consider exploring a trade that involves tight end Mike Gesicki. Take a look at what the former GM has to say:

The key to Mike McDaniel’s offense is being able to run the ball. In Miami’s first two preseason games, they have really struggled to establish the run game. Mike Gesicki, who they franchised this past offseason, has also struggled in this new scheme. Tight ends must be able to block in this scheme, and that is not Gesicki’s strong suit. Will Miami potentially try to trade him?

There is some sound reasoning behind the trade suggestion that Rick Spielman proposes.

Quite often, the issue isn’t that teams are dealing with bad players but with a bad fit. The McDaniel offense may need a tight end who can do more as a blocker. If that’s the case, then perhaps Spielman is onto something.

Statistically, Gesicki’s best season came last year. He had 73 catches, 780 yards, and 2 TDs. Ideally, a tight end will have more touchdowns. The size – Gesicki is listed at 6’6, 247 pounds – ought to allow for an advantage in the redzone. That’s why so many tight ends are trusted targets once things get really competitive near the end zone. Even if they’re covered, the hope is that they can be long and strong enough to snag the football.

Even with the modest touchdown production, Gesicki’s numbers are impressive.

If, however, Rick Spielman is right that the TE struggles to block, then teams will need to think long and hard about a trade. Making things even more complicated is the reality of his contract. Per Over the Cap, Gesicki carries a nearly $11 million cap hit, a number that would come with him to any team that makes a move.

Nick Mullens is the most recent Vikings trade addition. It’s very possible he’s the team’s QB2 by the time Green Bay arrives in Week 1. At tight end, the expectation is still that Irv Smith Jr. will be ready for the season opener. If that’s not the case, though, then it’s worth monitoring what Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decides to do at tight end. Any addition would likely be far cheaper than Gesicki.

Rick Spielman thinks Gesicki could make sense as a trade candidate, but I wouldn’t be holding my breath on Minnesota bringing in Miami’s star TE.



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