Patriots: 3 best moves of the 2023 offseason

Apr 27, 2023; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the New England Patriots seventeenth overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 3

Miami Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki (88) protects the football from New England Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (8) during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

Best Patriots moves of the offseason: 2. Signing Mike Gesicki to a one-year, $4.5 million deal

The Patriots pulled off one of the best value signings of free agency by inking Gesicki to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. Only one year ago, the Miami Dolphins placed the franchise tag on him, which was worth $10.931 million.

For perspective, his $4.45 million cap hit will be the 22nd-highest among NFL tight ends this season. Among the tight ends ahead of him are Mo Alie-Cox, Tyler Conklin, C.J. Uzomah, and Taysom Hill.

In Miami, Gesicki proved himself to be one of the most dynamic receiving tight ends in the league. Since 2019, he is ninth among NFL tight ends in receiving yards (2,415), trailing only Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, Darren Waller, George Kittle, Dallas Goedert, T.J. Hockenson, Tyler Higbee, and Zach Ertz.

At age 27, Gesicki is in the midst of his prime. He could have a big season playing in New England’s offense.

Gesicki’s deal is a reflection of an underwhelming free-agent market for tight ends. Similarly, Dalton Schultz received a one-year, $6.5 million deal from the Houston Texans. The Patriots were smart to capitalize on the bizarre market trend.

Home/New England Patriots