Patriots Release RB Mike Gillislee

The Patriots have released running back Mike Gillislee, according to Kevin Duffy of the Boston Herald (Twitter link).

Rumored as a cut candidate throughout the offseason, Gillislee will indeed have to look for a job elsewhere after his Patriots stay did not go as anticipated.

One of the NFL’s most productive runners on a per-carry basis in 2016, averaging 5.7 yards per carry on 101 handoffs with the Bills, he did not pick up where he left off with the Patriots. After a three-touchdown opener last season, Gillislee was phased out of the Pats’ rotation. And this year, New England added Jeremy Hill and Sony Michel to its backfield mix.

Now 27, Gillislee has spent his entire career in the AFC East — two years with the Dolphins, two with the Bills and two offseasons with the Patriots. He finished his New England tenure with 383 rushing yards (3.7 per carry) and five touchdowns.