The New England Patriots have successfully signed another key offensive player away from a division rival.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Buffalo Bills have informed running back Mike Gillislee that they will not be matching the two-year, $6.4 million offer sheet he signed with the Patriots.
Bills declined to match two-year, $6.4 million offer sheet that RB Mike Gillislee signed with Patriots, per source. Gillislee now a Pat.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 24, 2017
Gillislee rushed for 577 yards and scored eight touchdowns on just 101 carries in 2016. That’s an impressive 5.7 yards per carry, and the 26-year-old did it while playing a clear backup role behind LeSean McCoy. In New England, Gillislee will likely replace LeGarrette Blount as the early-down back.
The Patriots now have seemingly great depth at running back, as they also signed former Cincinnati Bengals back Rex Burkhead this offseason. Super Bowl hero James White and Dion Lewis will continue with their passing-down work, though it would not be a surprise if the latter ends up getting cut during training camp.
