This partnership between the New England Patriots and tight end Mike Gesicki could work out well for both parties.

Gesicki, coming off of a year when he was underutilized and played out of position on a franchise tag with the Miami Dolphins, signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract with the Patriots including incentives that could double the deal.

Here’s how he can earn the extra $4.5 million in incentives:

• $300k for 40 catches, 50 catches, 60 catches, 70 catches, 450 yards, 550 yards, 650 yards and 750 yards.
• $350k if he plays 46% of offensive snaps.
• $400k if he plays 53% of offensive snaps and 60% of offensive snaps.
• $450k if he plays 70% of offensive snaps.
• $500k if he plays 80% of offensive snaps.

It’s not a major surprise then when asked Tuesday after OTAs why he was interested in signing with the Patriots, he said, “opportunity.”

“Obviously the coaching staff is incredible,” Gesicki added. “A lot of the skill-position guys that I’ve dealt with have been great. Just the opportunity to come up here and compete and just come out here and do what I love to do.”

What Gesicki signed is essentially a one-year “prove-it” deal. If he has a monster season in New England, he not only hits those incentives worth another $4.5 million but will likely sign for more either with the Patriots or elsewhere next offseason.

Gesicki has primarily lined up as a big wide receiver throughout his NFL career. So, when Mike McDaniel was hired away from the San Francisco 49ers as the Dolphins’ head coach last season, Gesicki wasn’t exactly the best fit for the inline George Kittle role in that offense.

Gesicki played his fewest offensive snaps since his rookie season and caught just 34 passes for 377 yards with six touchdowns after coming off of a career year with 73 catches for 780 yards. His 167 snaps as an inline tight end were the most since his rookie year.

The decision to franchise Gesicki and to not trade him was a bizarre one by the Dolphins organization. But the Patriots were able to get him as a bargain, and based on what we’ve seen in OTAs, Gesicki will likely be returning to the role in which he previously thrived mostly split out in the slot and at wide receiver.

Gesicki is still listed as a tight end and will take part in tight end meetings. But the 6-foot-6, 250-pound pass-catcher isn’t expected to handle traditional tight end blocking assignments. He is willing to get his hands dirty in a three-point stance and handle some blocking responsibilities, however.

"Right now in terms of the tight end position, there's a lot," Gesicki said. "You have to be able to do both. I would say without getting into all of the specifics, just like any other tight end around the league, you have to be able to do both. I think I've been doing that."

The former Penn State tight end was a popular target of quarterback Mac Jones on Tuesday. If that continues, he’ll also be able to cash in during the season.

Featured image via Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports