Patriots' Gesicki: Confidence 'really high' in Mac Jones

New England Patriots tight end Mike Gesicki says his confidence level in Mac Jones is "really high" heading into this season, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.

"He makes it fun to go out there and play," Gesicki said. "We're always joking around, but when it's time to lock in, he's leading the offense and done a great job doing so."

Jones went 6-8 in 14 starts last season, throwing for 2,997 yards with 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He dealt with an ankle injury that forced him to miss three games, and the 24-year-old ultimately took a step back in his sophomore campaign after leading the Patriots to the playoffs in 2021.

"Obviously, Mac is our quarterback," Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater said, according to Khari Thompson of Boston.com. "We've got a lot of belief in him. We support him."

The Patriots waived quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham on Tuesday before re-signing them to the practice squad Wednesday.

Jones will have a new offensive coordinator this season in Bill O'Brien, who spent the last two seasons at Alabama under the same role. The Crimson Tide had a top-five points-per-game offense in the FBS in both seasons under O'Brien.

The Patriots kick off their season Sept. 10 against the Philadelphia Eagles.