Patriots sign Mike Gesicki, a top tight end on the free agent market

After jettisoning Jonnu Smith, Bill Belichick found himself in one of the toughest positions on the free agent market.

New England has agreed to terms with Mike Gesicki on a one-year, $9 million max deal, a source confirmed to MassLive. Drafted by the Dolphins in 2018, Gesicki has averaged 52 catches for 604 yards and five touchdowns over the past four seasons. The 6-foot-6, 250-pounder was hit with the franchise tag by Miami in 2022, but is now with the Patriots in free agency.

“He’s hard to cover,” Bill Belichick said in December. “A long time. He’s a good, crafty route runner. He’s nimble, but he can get down the field. Very good hands, makes some acrobatic catches. It has enough speed to break away. That’s another tough guy to cover on third down, and every down. But when you talk about those possession drops, he’s efficient.