Gilliam is looking forward to being key in Josh McDaniels' offensive game planning.
Of all the signings last week for the New England Patriots in free agency, Reggie Gilliam's seems to have flown under the radar, and yet it may be one of the most pivotal ones.
The now-former Buffalo Bills player inked a three-year, $12 million deal to join the Bills' current division rival down in Foxborough. Want to see what Patriots fans have in the backfield now? Look at the clip below.
Gilliam's work in Buffalo was big for the Josh Allen-led high-powered offense. He became key in all three: rushing, passing, and blocking for the team when they reached the red zone.
That is something the Patriots, and specifically Drake Maye, will need come next season.
Gilliam has also recognized the need for the position and the team's history of using the fullback role, and he seems to appreciate it.
"I talked to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and obviously with James Develin here for a long time," he told reporters. "I've made pretty good friends with him over the years because he works at the (NFL)PA now."
Gilliam spoke with reporters on signing day about his goals with the offense and how he plans to utilize his talents at a position that has seemed underused over the last few years around the NFL. Luckily, OC Josh McDaniels thinks otherwise.
"He's had a history with fullbacks, and he loves a true, vicious-style player," Gilliam said. "The physicality has been preached ever since I walked into this building. So I'm excited for it."
Gilliam joins the likes of Patrick Pass and James Devlin in hopes of shining a light on the skillset of the role in 2026 with the Patriots. He also made a point of noting just how good this team is compared to how great they played back in Week 5 of last season against Buffalo.
The divisional matchup felt like a statement and the arrival of what this team would become. Gilliam clearly took notice.
"That was a statement game for them," Gilliam said. "Stef (Diggs) had a great game. Really, the entire offense was rolling, like, wow, this team is legit. It's not just, you know, a one-hit wonder. This team's here to stay."
Gilliam has had plenty of time to take notice of the Patriots. Since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Toledo, he's played the Patriots 10 times as a Buffalo Bill. He's seen them at their lowest but seems to know where this ship is headed for years to come.
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