Grading the signing: Reggie Gilliam signing opens up the New England Patriots’ offense in a way they didn’t have last season

The Patriots are bringing old-school football back to boost their offense around Drake Maye.

AJ Schulte — College Football Trending News Writer
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Jan 4, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam (41) makes a catch defended by New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56) during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium.
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

The New England Patriots made a surprising splash in free agency, plucking fullback Reggie Gilliam way from AFC East rival Buffalo Bills. The Patriots are bringing Gilliam in on a three year deal worth “up to” $12 million, with $6 million fully guaranteed.

The addition of Gilliam was a smart one by the Patriots, and it will be a key part of their offense’s growth next season as they build around quarterback Drake Maye.

Reggie Gilliam signing opens up Patriots’ offense in a big way

One area the Patriots’ offense struggled season was their run blocking, particularly in their tight end room. Head coach Mike Vrabel touched on this last month, and cited New England’s need to evolve in this area next year.

“…being able to create some movement before the snap going laterally, that then could transition into getting into the line of scrimmage. So, you see these tight end blocks that are kind of changing and evolving, and we have to be conscious of who we have, how we need to run the football, and ideas that we can give them.”

Gilliam is a fantastic start to doing so, as he is one of the most-complete fullbacks in the league. In the run game, he is a fantastic mover, and is capable of executing any blocking assignment given to him. Gilliam was a key cog in James Cook’s ascendance and production as a rusher in Buffalo, and he’ll do so for Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson for the foreseeable future.

An added bonus for the Gilliam signing is his prowess as a special teamer. Gilliam was a key special teamer for the Bills on both kick returns and kick coverage. He helped spring several big kick returns last season as a blocker, and should help boost New England’s return game in similar fashion.

Gilliam solves an underrated need for the Patriots’ offense, and his signing will allow the Patriots to evolve their offense on the ground next season. Add an extensive special teams history to that, and Gilliam could sneakily be one of the smartest additions of the offseason across the NFL.

Grade: A