NFL Expert: New England Patriots Should Trade Mike Gesicki

The New England Patriots could be sellers at the NFL's trade deadline, which could mean offloading key players.

With the trade deadline fast approaching, the New England Patriots are a team of interest as they currently sit at 2-5. 

While the 29-25 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday may give some hope of a historic turnaround, the historical odds seem to be against them, as only eight teams have made the postseason after starting the season 2-5, which is why many are still listing the Patriots as potential sellers. 

A recent article from ESPN even gave a shocking suggestion as to who the Patriots should look to trade tight end Mike Gesicki. 

“Heading into Week 7, the 6-foot-6, 245-pound Gesicki had played 51.5% of the Patriots’ offensive snaps as a complement to top tight end Hunter Henry (75.4% playing time), catching 17 passes for 149 yards and one score,” ESPN's Mike Reiss writes. “He could easily be a No. 1 option for a team that has a tight end need. New England signed Gesicki to a one-year contract in the offseason, and if another team was willing to part with a midround draft pick, that might be something the Patriots at least consider with No. 3 TE Pharaoh Brown also on the depth chart.”

New England tight end Mike Gesicki celebrates his end zone reception with 12 seconds left to put the Patriots in the lead for their 29-25 win over Buffalo :: Kris Craig / USA TODAY NETWORK

After signing with the Patriots this past offseason, the former Miami Dolphin hasn't exactly been a featured piece in Bill O'Brien's offense. As ESPN notes, he is behind Henry on the depth chart, which already boasts chemistry with quarterback Mac Jones, and could potentially be replaced by Brown. 

Brown, the six-year veteran, joined New England over the offseason like Gesicki, and so far, there isn't much to separate the two statistically. Brown has played in each of the Patriots' seven games as the third tight end, totaling 137 yards and a touchdown on just five receptions. 

While Brown's opportunities have been limited, he's proven to be an explosive player after the catch in those moments when he is on the field. The 29-year-old's first catch of the season was a 58-yard touchdown against the New York Jets in Week 2. Then, against the Bills, he had a 25-yard reception to help set the Patriots up for an opening drive field goal. 

However, giving up on Gesicki just months after signing him doesn't seem fair, especially considering he's outperformed fellow signee JuJu Smith-Schuster. But if the price is right for Gesicki and the Patriots have a chance to either get a player in return or a draft pick, it could make sense.