When Reggie Gilliam looks at his first six NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills, he sees a player with plenty left to show. The fullback touched the ball just 24 times during his time in Buffalo, but after signing a three-year deal with the New England Patriots this offseason, he's ready to prove there's much more in the tank.
"I feel like I've been underutilized before, and I feel like a lot of people don't know what I can do with the ball in my hand because it hasn't been displayed," Gilliam said. "I haven't really had the opportunity to do so, but I definitely feel like there's some untapped potential there."
Gilliam has been most effective as a pass catcher, hauling in 16 receptions for 135 yards and two touchdowns — including one memorable score on a screen pass against Mike Vrabel's Titans. His eight career carries have only produced 14 yards, mostly in short-yardage situations. But with a fresh start in New England, the 28-year-old is eager to change that narrative.
The Patriots signed Gilliam to a three-year contract worth up to $12 million, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels plans to make full use of his versatility. Gilliam isn't just learning the fullback position — he's studying the entire playbook.
"I'm learning the entire offense. I'm not just learning fullback. I'm learning different positions and how he can spread you out one way or have you in motion another way. He's very versatile," Gilliam explained. "I was actually watching film yesterday, and I saw James Develin split out running a go route, and I was just like, 'Hey, if he can do it, I can definitely do it.' No disrespect to James, but I'm a little more agile than him. It's nice to see that Josh values the position in a way more than just running your head into a wall."
While Gilliam's pass-catching potential is exciting, the Patriots primarily targeted him for his physicality and impact in the run game. Last season, he was a key cog in Buffalo's No. 1-ranked rushing attack, finishing 10th among non-offensive linemen in run-blocking grade. Now he's tasked with paving the way for Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson — a duo he's already getting to know during the early stages of the voluntary offseason program.
Whether it's clearing lanes or surprising defenses as a receiver, Gilliam is determined to show Patriots fans a side of his game that hasn't been fully unleashed. And with McDaniels' creative offensive schemes, the opportunities could finally arrive.