As reported by NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the New England Patriots have signed Buffalo Bills restricted free agent running back Mike Gillislee to an offer sheet.
The Bills signed former Pro Bowl fullback Mike Tolbert earlier in the offseason with the intentions of converting him to running back.
The Bills placed an original-round tender on Gillislee worth $1.797 million, meaning the Patriots would send a fifth-round pick to the Bills if Buffalo declines to match.
This is right out of the Bill Belichick playbook. They snagged restricted free agent wide receiver Chris Hogan last year on a three-year, $12 million contract and signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore last month to a five-year, $65 million pact.
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The onus is on them now, especially in the defensive and neutral zones, to compete as hard as the their opponent did in game one. The goal came 6:44 into the game. "This guy played games of tough playoff hockey past year in the Stanley Cup Final.
In two seasons with the Bills, Gillislee has rushed for 844 yards and 11 touchdowns, while averaging 5.7 yards per carry.
Gillislee is a 218-pound back who has been one of the better backups in the NFL. If they choose not to match the offer the Bills would be compensated with New England's fifth-round pick.
As Rapoport added, the way the Patriots frontloaded the contract will make it hard for the Bills to match it, which is exactly what the Patriots did to land Hogan past year.
According to the report, Gillislee would make a total of $6.4 million over the two years, and the first year pays out a total of $4 million. With limited cap space in 2017, it would be a surprise if Buffalo matched as it would at least double his $1.6 million cap hit. This year, both Gillislee and Burkhead would far surpass the amount. This could be a huge move if the Bills fails to match the Patriots offer.
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