FOXBORO, Mass. – Much like their wide receiver room, the Patriots’ tight end situation was one of many great unknowns heading into the 2023 offseason.
Once free agency opened up, New England immediately traded failed 2021 free agency signing Jonnu Smith to the Falcons for a seventh-round pick, leaving Hunter Henry all but alone in the room.
That was, of course, until they signed former Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki to a one-year, incentive-laden deal, worth up to $9 million.
“I have a ton of respect for the tradition that is the New England Patriots.” said Gesicki during his introductory press conference on Thursday afternoon.
The Dolphins drafted Gesicki in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He played his first five seasons in Miami, with his best coming in 2021, where he hauled in 73 catches for 780 yards. Gesicki tallied 18 career touchdown receptions, and his 6’6″, 250-pound frame allows him a massive catch radius.
After catching passes from Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa over the last several seasons, Gesicki will now pair up with Mac Jones, who is heading into a crucial third season in the NFL:
“Really cool dude, cool personality. Love the energy and juice that he brings.” Gesicki said on his new quarterback. “Great arm, accurate, all that kinda stuff.” He also mentioned that he’d already gotten together to catch passes with Jones, and stayed in his basement while still figuring out his living situation in Massachusetts.
When asked if he’ll continue to do the griddy for his touchdown celebration, Gesicki left it opened ended, but added that both he and Jones’ (who has also attempted the griddy), “could probably use some work.”
Despite never having played under Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, Gesicki was recruited by him during his time at Penn State and the two continue to have a quality relationship. He’s excited to finally get to play in his offense:
“OB has a great system and I think it’s exciting to just get in the meeting rooms and hear how things are run,” the fifth-year tight end said “It’s exciting to watch some tape of how it’s been run.”
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @PatriotsCLNS for the latest up-to-date Patriots news!
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