Report: Patriots extend 2-year, $6.4M offer sheet to Bills RFA Gillislee

Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots appear to be zeroing in on yet another ball-carrier.

The Patriots have extended a two-year, $6.4-million offer sheet to Buffalo Bills restricted free-agent running back Mike Gillislee, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Perhaps attempting to structure their offer in a manner that could leave Buffalo hesitant to match, the contract reportedly includes $4 million in the first season.

Buffalo will have five days to match any deal Gillislee signs in New England. Because the club opted for an original-round tender at the beginning of the offseason, declining to do so would land a fifth-round pick from the Patriots as compensation.

Gillislee's success in rotation over last two seasons - running for 5.7 yards per carry and 11 touchdowns - makes him an intriguing option for early-down work in a crowded Patriots backfield.

Adrian Peterson left his free-agent visit in New England without a deal, and there still doesn't seem to be any signs of progress in talks to re-sign LeGarrette Blount.