The fullback position does not usually control headlines; however, in the New England Patriots, it means something different. It is identity and physicality. When the Patriots invest in that role, it is never random.
That is exactly why their latest move is turning heads. As this is not just about adding depth, it is about bringing back a style. And according to someone who lived it, they may have nailed the pick.
James Develin Endorses Reggie Gilliam as Patriots Reignite Fullback Identity
Buffalo Bills Josh Allen
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen signals they are going for the two-point conversion during the second half of the Buffalo Bills wild card game against the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 12, 2025. Smiling about the touchdown is Buffalo Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam.
Speaking on March 26, 2026, former Patriots fullback James Develin did not hold back when evaluating the Patriots’ signing of Reggie Gilliam. The three-time Super Bowl champion sees this move as more than just roster building; it is a strategic reset.
“Reggie can do it all. He’s a tenacious run blocker, he can carry the ball, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, and then when he has the ball in his hands, he can do something with it… I’m just happy to see he made it to New England and I think New England made a great choice. He’s a great fullback.”
Former #Patriots FB James Develin on FB Reggie Gilliam:
“Reggie can do it all. He's a tenacious run blocker, he can carry the ball, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, and then when he has the ball in his hands, he can do something with it… I’m just happy to see he made… pic.twitter.com/jEtXWo6WW9
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 26, 2026
That is high praise from someone who defined the role in Foxborough. Gilliam arrives on a three-year, $12M deal after spending six seasons with the Buffalo Bills. And the appeal is clear: versatility. He is not just a lead blocker. He is a movable piece who can line up, adjust, and create mismatches.
Develin emphasised that exact point. Modern defences are built to stop offenses. They are lighter, faster, and more flexible. However, that creates a gap that a 250+ pound fullback can utilise. It is old-school football catching modern schemes off guard.
And that is where this gets interesting. Under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Patriots have always been at their best when they can dictate physicality. Two-back sets, power runs, and play-action setups. That formula helped deliver championships, including a defining drive in Super Bowl LIII.
Develin pointed to that exact philosophy. When a fullback is on the field, the offense declares its identity. Tough, direct, and hard to stop.Gilliam fits that mould, however, with more range. Unlike traditional fullbacks, he brings added value in the passing game and on special teams. That matters. In today’s NFL, roster spots demand flexibility. The 28-year-old checks that box immediately as a multi-phase contributor.
There is also familiarity. Gilliam and Develin share a connection through the NFLPA, and the veteran already understands the legacy of the position with the Patriots.
That legacy is not small, it is built on discipline, adaptability, and execution.And now, the Patriots are leaning back into it. This signing signals more than depth, it signals direction, a return to balance, and a shift toward physical football. And potentially, a new centrepiece in an evolving offence.If Develin’s reading is right, Gilliam won’t just fit in. He’ll matter.