Will LA Rams kick the tires on this TE free agent? They should

The LA Rams were not their customary offensive juggernaut in 2022, and there are many theories as to why that happened. Oh, we explored some of the more common theories, like offensive line injuries, regression at the tight end position, and perhaps even a lack of true star power at the running back position, but with each theory, there seemed to be something missing. Whatever the attempt to establish the cause, the problem’s complexity seemed to evade those simplistic explanations.

In the end, it’s all water under the bridge.

So let’s pivot to the future, and see what the LA Rams are doing and can do to change their fate. After all, the 2023 NFL season will be upon us all sooner than we realize. Now, what can the Rams do to optimize that new season?

For starters, the Rams have begun to add new faces to the coaching staff, one of whom is TE Coach Nick Caley. If you are interested in what he may bring to the team, I’ve spilled my thoughts into a quick “Why I love the LA Rams’ new TE hire from Patriots” article that you may find interesting. You can check it out by clicking on the title.

In the meantime, the Rams’ new TE coach Nick Caley will certainly appreciate any investment in the team at the position. While that could include nothing more complicated than drafting a tight end, the Rams could throw a curve ball and look into the NFL Free Agency market. If they do, then former Miami Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki could catch their eye:

Gesicki may not command the attention of a huge contract, but he has been a solid performer for the Miami Dolphins over the past five seasons. Curiously, when the team franchise tagged him, his production plummeted and deflated his fair market value. But the guy can be a productive option in the LA Rams passing game, and he may be open to a one-year team-friendly deal to reset his NFL market value.

The LA Rams would be an ideal landing spot for Gesicki to do so. While the Rams’ use of the tight end was precariously infrequent in 2022, I believe that the hiring of OC Mike LaFleur and the rapid hiring of Nick Caley could be indications that the Rams have a renewed interest in making use of the tight end position more frequently and effectively in 2023.

One drawback of Gesicki is the glaring fact that he is not very good at blocking, a fundamental staple for any player who wants to be targeted in the LF Rams offense as a receiver. But if the Rams are confident that Gesicki has the potential to refine his blocking ability, he could be a viable option for the Rams’ free agency shopping list.