Patriots officially sign RB Mike Gillislee

AP Photo

The Patriots have officially signed restricted free agent running back Mike Gillislee to a two-year deal. The Buffalo Bills, Gillislee's now-former employer, had until 4 p.m. yesterday to match the Pats' offer and declined, which made the signing official.

Gillislee now joins a crowded backfield along with Rex Burkhead, Dion Lewis and James White. Absent from that list is LeGarrette Blount, who is probably not going to return with Gillislee in the fold.

The Patriots will have to give up a fifth-round pick to the Bills in the upcoming NFL Draft as compensation, given that Gillislee was a restricted free agent.

Gillislee, 26, averaged 5.7 yards on 101 carries to go along with eight touchdowns.

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