Former Patriots starter rubs salt into the wound after leaving franchise

Since Tom Brady left, the New England Patriots have had quarterback struggles. And it all came crashing down last season, with starter Mac Jones ultimately being benched for Bailey Zappe. 

Tight end Mike Gesicki was one of the players who had to suffer through the tumultuous 2023 season, and he saw those issues within the quarterback room very clearly. 

So when he left in free agency and ultimately signed with the Cincinnati Bengals this offseason, Gesicki was quick to notice how different things were there. An it all started with Joe Burrow. 

So with that, Gesicki had a strong realization. And it is harsh but true for the Patriots to hear. 

He told Bengals.com's Geoff Hobson that he has "never been in the huddle with that kind of talent," when talking about Burrow and went on to praise Cincinnati's quarterback. 

"He's been a leader in the locker room who a lot of guys look to," Gesicki said. "I'm definitely one of those guys looking to him. I've heard great things about him as a teammate. He's easy to talk to. Good sense of humor."

Gesicki signed a 1-year, $3.25 million free-agent deal with the Bengals in March after his single season in New England. Prior to that, he had spent the first fives seasons of his career with the Miami Dolphins. 

Last season with the Patriots, the tight end finished with 29 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns, which was one of the worst seasons of his career. The only time he had finished with slightly worse stats was his rookie year in 2018. 

But he is looking to put that hard season in the past and thrive in a new environment. 

"New team, new staff, new quarterback. Everything is new for me," Gesicki explained. "So I have to go out there and earn the trust.

"It's more proving what I'm capable of doing and earning more and more opportunities once the football starts... It's only April. A long way to go."