One of the most interesting moves during NFL free agency was the New England Patriots signing one of the best tight ends on the market. The Patriots have been looking to overhaul their offense and have done so by picking up Mike Gesicki to pair with JuJu Smith-Schuster. This Patriots offense may not have the most passing volume, but how they use their tight ends makes Gesicki fantasy relevant.
According to Tom Pelissero, the Patriots have agreed to terms with Gesicki on a one-year deal worth up to $9 million. After trading Jonnu Smith, the Patriots have been looking to put some pieces around their young quarterback, Mac Jones.
The Effect on the Patriots’ Offense
Gesicki has shown flashes of being an elite tight end in his career, but he wasn’t utilized very much on the Miami Dolphins. However, the Patriots are willing to use their tight ends as pass catchers, which perfectly fits Gesicki’s play style.
Even though Gesicki isn’t a good blocker on run sets, the Patriots typically run two tight-end sets. This way, Gesicki can be used as only a pass catcher. On the Dolphins, Gesicki has shown he is a great red zone threat, which is something the Patriots are in dire need of.
It’s unlikely this is the last piece of the puzzle for this Patriots offense, but this move makes a ton of sense for both parties, and Gesicki will have a carved-out role in this offense.
Mike Gesicki: Value Up
Gesicki will be used more out wide and will have a similar role to Jakobi Meyers last season. Over the past few years, Gesicki has played 358 snaps out wide versus 166 snaps in-line. Having Gesicki gives Bill Belichick a very unique player to work with, rather than your typical blocking tight end.
Before this trade, Gesicki was stuck in one of the most talented receiving corps in the NFL. To be fair to Gesicki, it’s hard to be dominant when playing alongside Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. While the Patriots’ only notable playmakers are JuJu Smith-Schuster and Rhamondre Stevenson, this is subject to change.
On the other hand, there’s a chance the Patriots decide not to sign a stud wide receiver like DeAndre Hopkins, and Smith-Schuster and Stevenson are the only other top options. This will be much easier for Gesicki to get involved in the offense. Having a coach like Belichick, who has had success with other pass-catching tight ends, is excellent for Gesicki.
Some people see this as a negative move because the Patriots will have less passing volume than the Dolphins. Even so, in the grand scheme of things, this will be an upgrade for Gesicki.
Mac Jones: Value Up
Mac Jones has been rather lackluster from a fantasy standpoint in his first few years in the NFL. Jones has averaged a meager 12.6 fantasy points per game in years one and two. In his defense, this may be because the Patriots finished 22nd in pass attempts per game.
To make matters worse, Jones has never been surrounded by weapons on offense, either. Being efficient is tough when your WR2 is Nelson Agholor. This Gesicki signing should help give Jones another solid weapon in this new-look offense.
Having an athletic tight end has fared well for the Patriots and their quarterback in the past. With this in mind, it’s safe to assume it will also help Jones. Gesicki has shown flashes in his career, and if he is used right, he has an excellent chance to break out and help Jones.
Dolphins Offensive Playmakers: Stock Stays The Same
There isn’t much to write home about on how Gesicki leaving will impact the Dolphin’s offensive skill players. Last season, Gesicki only drew 52 targets which wasn’t taking away much volume from Jaylen Waddle or Tyreek Hill.
Even though Gesicki is a good talent, he was mainly a non-factor in his past few seasons with the Dolphins. Even with Gesicki moving on to another organization, this shouldn’t sway the value of any of these Dolphins’ skill players.
Make sure you subscribe to the #NerdHerd, where you get exclusive content, dynasty/rookie/devy rankings, buy/sell tool, and a bonus podcast too. Dynasty Nerds also recently launched the #DynastyGM tool, a complete game-changer in the fantasy industry. Click here for a free trial. We truly are your one-stop shop for all your fantasy football needs!
