Patriots' Mike Gesicki Named 'Underrated' Addition by NFL Insider

The New England Patriots have had a need at tight end for a few seasons now, and they might have finally found the answer in Mike Gesicki.

NFL insiders are hailing Gesicki as one of the most underrated offseason additions, and he could be a huge asset for Mac Jones and the Patriots’ passing game.

Matt Lombardo, of Heavy.com, listed Gesicki as one of the 5 most underrated additions by any NFL team this offseason:

New England has tried the past couple of seasons to upgrade the tight end position via free agency, with little success, but just might have landed a pass-catcher at the position with elite upside in the red zone, in Mike Gesicki.

“Gesicki’s going to be a great help in their passing game,” an NFL tight ends coach told Heavy, on the condition of anonymity to speak freely about another team. “He’s going to really help Mac Jones, and could easily become his security blanket.”

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The former Nittany Lions standout has elite upside in the red-zone and could easily become Jones’ security blanket, as the coach suggests.

While Gesicki was rarely targeted in the Dolphins’ offense last season, he caught 73 of his 106 targets for 780 yards with a pair of touchdowns during the 2021 campaign. If the Patriots use Gesicki as a high-target weapon, he could become a matchup nightmare over the middle in the AFC East.

The Patriots have struggled to upgrade their tight end position via free agency in recent years, but Gesicki could be the pass-catcher they have been searching for. He has the size and athleticism to create mismatches with linebackers and safeties, and could be a valuable asset in the red-zone.

Overall, the addition of Gesicki could be a game-changer for the Patriots’ offense. He has the talent to be a Pro Bowl-caliber tight end, and if used correctly, could help Mac Jones take the next step in his development. Keep an eye on Gesicki as the Patriots look to make a run in the AFC East this upcoming season.