The New Orleans Saints are on the brink of signing running back Mike Gillislee, less than a week after the Patriots released him last Saturday.
According to NFL’s network reporter Ian Rapaport, the former Patriots player is expected to sign a one year deal with New Orleans in the course of this week.
“The #Saints are signing former #Patriots RB Mike Gillislee on a 1-year deal, source said. More firepower for their backfield,” the reporter tweeted.
The #Saints are signing former #Patriots RB Mike Gillislee on a 1-year deal, source said. More firepower for their backfield.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 2, 2018
Gillislee left New England as a free agent on Saturday after a 16-month spell that saw him register a career-high on his debut in 2017. He played in nine games for the Patriots and made 104 carries in 383 yards and 5 touchdowns.
After the Saints signed Jeremy Hill last year, Gillislee was placed in a tough spot to compete for his place in the team. He lost to Hill and was ultimately released.
The Saints are in dire need of a quality running back after first choice Mark Ingram received a four-game suspension for failing a drug test. New Orleans also released Jonathan Williams in spite of Ingram’s suspension, leaving them with Alvin Kamara as the only choice for the running back position.
Gillislee now has the opportunity to prove himself in the NFL with yet another top side starting this Sunday when the Saints meet Buccaneers.
