"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. 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."
"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 on 15.3% of their offensive snaps (fourth-highest in the NFL)."
"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."
The New England Patriots have significantly invested in the fullback position by acquiring Reggie Gilliam from the Buffalo Bills on a three-year deal worth up to $12 million while retaining incumbent starter Jack Westover. This move reflects the team's renewed emphasis on lead blocking, evidenced by their use of 21-personnel formations on 15.3% of offensive snaps last season, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. Gilliam earned PFF's highest overall and run-blocking grades among fullbacks in 2025 with marks of 72.4 and 75.1 respectively, while allowing zero pressures on pass-blocking snaps. Westover, a converted tight end in his first full season at the position, struggled with a 45.8 PFF grade, the lowest among Patriots offensive starters and worst league-wide at fullback.
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