Former Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki leaving Miami for divisional rival Patriots

Dolphins free agent tight end Mike Gesicki, who struggled to find a fit in a new offensive scheme this past season, is signing a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, according to multiple reports.

According to reports, the contract is worth $9 million.

Gesicki, a second-round pick of Miami in the 2018 Draft, was one of the Dolphins’ most-tenured players and became a fan favorite with his passion and humor. But in the first season in head coach Mike McDaniel’s offense, one that requires its tight ends to block proficiently, he posted his fewest catches (32) and receptions (362) since his rookie season as his playing time decreased.

Gesicki played the 2022 season on the franchise tag worth about $10.9 million. After the season ended, both McDaniel and general manager Chris Grier indicated that Gesicki would be seeing his options in free agency. And in recent weeks, Gesicki had foreshadowed his expected departure. After Miami’s season ended in a wild-card round loss to the Buffalo Bills in January, he said he was looking for “opportunity” in free agency.

In 81 games (31 starts) over five seasons, Gesicki caught 231 passes for 2,617 yards and 18 touchdowns. 2021 was a career-best season for Gesicki, who recorded 73 receptions for 780 yards and two touchdowns. He finishes his time in Miami ranking second only to Randy McMichael for receiving yards by a tight end in franchise history and third all-time in catches by a tight end.

Gesicki reunites with wide receiver DeVante Parker, whom the Dolphins traded to New England last offseason, and joins a Patriots team that has made significant changes to its skill-position players around quarterback Mac Jones. New England traded tight Jonnu Smith to the Atlanta Falcons and signed former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster. Bill O’Brien, who has returned to new England for another stint as Patriots offensive coordinator, recruited Gesicki to Penn State.

The Dolphins have already addressed the tight end position in free agency this week, agreeing to terms with former Denver Bronco Eric Saubert on a one-year deal. Miami could also target the position in the draft in what is regarded as a deep tight end class.

Gesicki is the second tight end to leave the Dolphins this offseason. Hunter Long was sent to the Los Angeles Rams in the trade that brought cornerback Jalen Ramsey to Miami. Durham Smythe and Tanner Conner, who played 25 offensive snaps as a rookie, are also under contract for the 2023 season.

This story may be updated.