One week after hosting Mike Gillislee for a visit, the New England Patriots have extended an offer sheet to the restricted free-agent running back, a source told NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on Tuesday.
The terms of the offer, per Rapoport’s source: two years, $6.4 million, including $4 million this season. That would make Gillislee the Patriots’ highest-paid running back, surpassing Rex Burkhead, who signed a one-year, $3.15 million contract with New England last month.
NESN.com’s Doug Kyed later confirmed Rapoport’s report.
Source confirms Patriots gave Bills RFA RB Mike Gillislee a two-year $6.4M offer sheet. If Bills don't match, NE sends BUF 5th rd pick.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) April 18, 2017
Because Gillislee is a restricted free agent, his former team, the Buffalo Bills, has the opportunity to match any contract offer. Buffalo tendered Gillislee at an original-round level, meaning New England would need to surrender a fifth-round draft pick in order to sign him.
The Bills currently have $10.8 million in salary cap space, according to the NFL Players Association.
The Patriots pulled a similar move with another Bills player last offseason, signing restricted free-agent wide receiver Chris Hogan after Buffalo declined to match their offer. New England also signed former Buffalo cornerback Stephon Gilmore after he hit unrestricted free agency last month.
Gillislee averaged 5.7 yards per carry for the Bills this past season, rushing 101 times for 577 yards and eight touchdowns.
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images
