Mike Gesicki, Former Dolphins Tight End, Departs For Patriots

According to numerous sources, tight end Mike Gesicki, a free agent from the Miami Dolphins who had difficulty fitting into a new offensive system this past season, has agreed to a one-year contract with the New England Patriots. The agreement reportedly has a $9 million value.

One of the Dolphins’ longest-serving players, Gesicki, was selected by Miami in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He won over the fans with his enthusiasm and sense of humor.

Nevertheless, as his playing time declined in the first season of head coach Mike McDaniel’s strategy, which calls for its tight ends to block effectively, he recorded his fewest catches (32) and receptions (362) since his rookie season.

Gesicki was subject to a $10.9 million franchise tag during the 2022 season. McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier stated after the season that Gesicki would be exploring his free agency possibilities.

Gesicki had also hinted at his impending exit in recent weeks.

He declared he was searching for “opportunity” in free agency after Miami’s season ended with a defeat to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round in January.

Throughout five seasons, Gesicki played in 81 games (31 starts), catching 231 receptions for 2,617 yards and 18 touchdowns. With 73 receptions for 780 yards and two scores in 2021, Gesicki had his most outstanding season to date.

In terms of tight end receiving yards in franchise history, he concludes his stint in Miami just behind Randy McMichael and ranks third all-time in tight end catches.

Reuniting with wide receiver DeVante Parker, who the Dolphins moved to New England during the summer, Gesicki joins a Patriots squad that has substantially adjusted its skill-position players surrounding quarterback Mac Jones.

In exchange for signing former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster, New England traded tight end Jonnu Smith to the Atlanta Falcons. Gesicki was attracted to Penn State by Bill O’Brien, the offensive coordinator for the Patriots, who has relocated back to New England.

With the signing of former Denver Bronco Eric Saubert to a one-year contract, the Dolphins have already moved to fill the tight end position in free agency this week. Miami might also pick up a tight end in the draught, which is thought to have a deep class.

The Dolphins have lost two tight ends this offseason, including Gesicki. Hunter Long was given to the Los Angeles Rams in the deal that landed Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey.

Also signed for the 2023 season are Durham Smythe and Tanner Conner, who made 25 offensive plays as a rookie.

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