New England Patriots: 3 players we are glad to see leave New England

Mike Gillislee

Mike Gillislee was an okay running back in his first season with the New England Patriots. If the Patriots needed someone to jam the ball into the end zone, Gillislee was their guy.

Gillislee played in 9 games last season and had 104 carries for 383 yards and 5 touchdowns. Since the Patriots had plenty of pass-catching backs, Gillislee was looked upon to get the running game going.

Still, after an okay season, Gillislee was on the outside looking in this offseason. The Patriots signed Jeremy Hill and drafted Sony Michel. I have a lot more confidence in those guys moving forward. Sony Michel could become one of the best running backs in the league.

So I’m happy to see that Gillislee is gone. This means that the Patriots are going to give guys like Michel a chance. Still, I would expect a running back by committee approach this season.

Gillislee has already found a new home. He will be headed to New Orleans to help out the Saints running game while Mark Ingram is suspended. Gillislee and Alvin Kamara could become a real dangerous one-two punch of speed and power.