Mike Gesicki Signs 'Prove-It' NFL Free Agency Deal

Mike Gesicki is shipping up to Boston.

The former Penn State Football star tight end inked a one-year contract with the New England Patriots worth up to $9 million, according to a report from NFL Network.

One-year deal worth up to $9 million. https://t.co/uCWmp6CZh1

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2023

Gesicki, 27, arrives with an AFC East rival after seeing his role dramatically diminished with the Miami Dolphins in 2022, during Mike McDaniel’s first season as head coach. Miami used the franchise tag to keep Gesicki for the 2022 campaign.

Last season, Gesicki caught 32 passes, but was only targeted 50 times, producing 362 yards and catching five touchdowns. Dolphins quarterbacks produced a 102.3 passer rating when targeting Gesicki.

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How Mike Gesicki Fits Patriots

The past several offseasons, the Patriots have invested in veteran tight ends, in an attempt to alleviate pressure off young quarterback Mack Jones.

However, neither Hunter Henry nor Jonnu Smith lived up to expectations, so the Patriots have turned to the prolific pass-catching Gesicki as a potential upgrade at the position.

New England dealt Jonnu Smith to the Atlanta Falcons prior to free agency getting underway, and it will now be up to Gesicki and Smith to headline the Patriots’ tight end room.

Likewise, Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien recruited Gesicki to the Nittany Lions, and now will have the opportunity to coach him.

Since being chosen in the second-round of the 2018 draft out of Penn State, Gesicki has caught 231 passes for 2,617 yards and 18 touchdowns in his career.