The New England Patriots have reportedly extended an offer to Buffalo Bills restricted free agent running back Mike Gillislee.
Here we go: #Patriots extended an RFA offer sheet to #Bills RB Mike Gillislee. It’s for 2 years, $6.4M, source said. $4M in the 1st year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2017
The Bills didn’t to a whole heck of a lot to protect Gillislee this offseason, placing an original round tender on the running back in March. He was a fifth-round pick in 2013, meaning if the Bills chose not to match New England’s offer the Pats would owe them a fifth-round pick.
This is right out of the Bill Belichick playbook. Identify a player you believe has excellent value, target that player and, while you’re at it, hurt your competition.
The #Patriots structured the Mike Gillislee deal to make it tough for the #Bills to match. Similar to Chris Hogan from last year. 5 days.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2017
Buffalo has reportedly been interested in working out a long-term deal to secure Gillislee for the foreseeable future. However, he’s locked into a backup role in Buffalo behind LeSean McCoy, whereas if he is playing for the Patriots he could become the starting back. Last season, he gained 577 yards and scored eight touchdowns on just 101 carries.
It’s going to be fascinating to see where this one goes. How much does Buffalo value him? That’s the big question that needs to be answered now.
As a side note, if New England lands Gillislee, then LeGarrette Blount better sharpen up his resume, because he’s not coming back.