The New England Patriots have had a very hot and cold relationship with the fullback position over the last decade of the franchise’s history.
From being one of the league’s primary utilizers of putting a lead blocker in the backfield during the late 2010’s tenure of James Develin, to not even rostering a traditional fullback in 2023, the position had a resurgence within the team’s playbook last season, as the Patriots ran 21-personnel (2 WR, 1 TE, 1 RB, 1 FB) on 15.3% of their offensive snaps (fourth-highest in the NFL).
Now, on the first day of the 2026 legal free agent tampering period, New England has locked up arguably the best fullback on the market, while also moving to bring back their incumbent starter at the position.
The Patriots reportedly agreed to terms on a three-year deal worth up to $12 million with Reggie Gilliam, formerly of the Buffalo Bills, and tendered exclusive rights free agent Jack Westover.
Why improving at fullback makes sense for the Patriots this offseason
A converted tight end, Westover’s first full season at fullback last year came with some bumps in the road. The Washington product earned a Pro Football Focus overall grade of just 45.8, which was both the lowest mark among all Patriots offensive starters and the worst at his position league-wide.
Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga saw action at fullback as well in short-yardage situations last year, but he will be departing for the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency.
Meanwhile, the newly acquired Gilliam was both PFF’s highest rated overall and run blocking fullback in 2025, earning grades of 72.4 and 75.1 respectively, while also allowing zero pressures on 24 pass blocking snaps.
Those high marks came as the Toledo product saw increased usage on offense, playing a career-high 235 snaps as he cleared holes for last season’s league-leading rusher, James Cook.
Though not a major threat as a receiver, Gilliam still caught both of his targets for 24 yards last season (outpacing Westover’s two grabs for eight yards, including postseason play), and recorded eight receptions for forty yards and a touchdown in 2022.
Additionally, Gilliam adds value on special teams, playing over 77% of Buffalo’s snaps in that phase of the game every season since 2021. The 28-year-old has posted 28 tackles and two forced fumbles over his six seasons in the league.
New England is making Gilliam the NFL’s highest-paid fullback in terms of both total salary and average annual value with his recent contract, richer than the deals inked by Kyle Juszczyk in 2025 and Alec Ingold this offseason.
However, that investment may ultimately be worthwhile for a Patriots team that will be getting an elite player at a position they’ve previously deployed more often than most clubs, who can also contribute as a special teamer.