When a new player joins an NFL team, building chemistry with the quarterback is often the first and most important step. For Reggie Gilliam, that process with New England Patriots QB Drake Maye didn't take long at all.

"Drake and I have kind of hit it off the bat right away," Gilliam said. "From the very first workout on the field, we were just stretching together, just kind of getting to know each other in the last couple of days."

The fullback, who signed a three-year deal with the Patriots in March, is already going above and beyond to strengthen that connection. "We've been meeting after our little practice out there, and kind of going over some schemes," he added.

Gilliam's enthusiasm for Maye isn't new. During his introductory press conference earlier this year, he drew a compelling comparison between the rookie QB and a former teammate who knows a thing or two about winning in the AFC East. "He's built just like Josh (Allen)," Gilliam said. "Yeah, he's a cool guy. … I'm excited. He's a young player. When I got to Buffalo, Josh was three years in. Not fully established, but we knew he was going to be a guy. And Drake is obviously the guy here. I'm excited to be with a young quarterback and help him grow."

For a fullback, establishing trust with the quarterback is essential—whether it's picking up a blitz in pass protection, slipping out for a check-down, or clearing a path in the run game. The fact that Gilliam and Maye are already putting in extra film work and on-field reps during voluntary offseason workouts speaks volumes about their shared commitment.

It's only been a few weeks since players returned for the voluntary offseason program, but if this bond is already this strong, just imagine what it will look like when the pads come on in training camp—and when the regular season kicks off in September. For Patriots fans, that's a promising sign of things to come.