The New England Patriots visited with Dolphins restricted free agent running back Damien Williams Wednesday, according to ESPN's Field Yates.
The Bills placed a fifth-round tender on Gillislee a little more than a month ago, meaning if the Patriots were to sign him they would need to send a fifth-round pick back to the Bills since he's a restricted free agent.
While he does not have the flashy stats of Gillislee, Williams has been a steady and reliable contributor for the Dolphins on offense and special teams: Since entering the National Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Williams appeared in 48 of a possible 49 games, working both as a versatile running back and a kick returner. Gillislee was given an original round tender by Buffalo, which means the Patriots must part with a fifth-round pick if they decide to sign him.
It is worth noting April 21 is the deadline for restricted free agents to sign offer sheets.
If the Patriots want to acquire Gillislee, their next step is to sign him to an offer sheet.
Williams likely would project with a Brandon Bolden-esque role with the Patriots as a special teamer and backup that can serve as both an early-down and pass-catching back.
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He was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Florida.
Gillislee, 26, averaged 5.7 yards per carry last season with 101 carries for 577 yards with eight touchdowns.
Williams stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 228 pounds.
Williams, who was undrafted in 2014, ran 35 times for 115 yards and three scores last season.
One thing that is clear is the Patriots remain interested in adding another running back in addition to Rex Burkhead this offseason.
Over the course of his three-year career, the Oklahoma product amassed 892 total yards from scrimmage while scoring nine touchdowns. LeGarrette Blount remains an unrestricted free agent.
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