The final Countdown - 2026 training camp

[Triumph]

FB - Reggie Gilliam

I noticed that Buffalo hardly used him in their offense other than blocking. He was a big Special Teams guy for the Bills. I am wondering if McDaniels will involve Gilliam in the NE offense rushing and receiving. As a 3rd down and short specialist and goaline battering ram. In 2025, NEP Ernie Johnson had more rush attempts (13) than Gilliam has had in 6 seasons. The Pats are paying Gilliam a fair chunk of money too Reggie Gilliam Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

 

[jdlboot14]

Odd timing to release Travis Shaw. There was recent discussion about him being a dark horse to make it as the true NT, with that size and strength. Wonder if he had character issues, or was out of shape? Seems we'll be counting on either Taylor or Farmer to really take a step up. As much as you'd hope Farmer rises to his potential, if I had to bet, Taylor seems like he has a more natural feel and consistent high motor.

 

[Wozzy]

FB - Reggie Gilliam

I noticed that Buffalo hardly used him in their offense other than blocking. He was a big Special Teams guy for the Bills. I am wondering if McDaniels will involve Gilliam in the NE offense rushing and receiving. As a 3rd down and short specialist and goaline battering ram. In 2025, NEP Ernie Johnson had more rush attempts (13) than Gilliam has had in 6 seasons. The Pats are paying Gilliam a fair chunk of money too Reggie Gilliam Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

He got what amounts to a two year deal at 3 million per. FB’s don’t play every down and him playing special teams makes his contract a good one.

Seems to me they paid a late 20’s FB for his experience as well as his skills. Westover wasn’t good last year, maybe another year or two on the practice squad learning behind Gilliam and getting stronger might help.

 

[Wozzy]

Odd timing to release Travis Shaw. There was recent discussion about him being a dark horse to make it as the true NT, with that size and strength. Wonder if he had character issues, or was out of shape? Seems we'll be counting on either Taylor or Farmer to really take a step up. As much as you'd hope Farmer rises to his potential, if I had to bet, Taylor seems like he has a more natural feel and consistent high motor.

He’s a poor athlete, that room is filled with better athletes. It was a near impossible nut for him to crack, better to cut him loose now than waste a roster spot.

 

[Triumph]

He got what amounts to a two year deal at 3 million per. FB’s don’t play every down and him playing special teams makes his contract a good one.

Seems to me they paid a late 20’s FB for his experience as well as his skills. Westover wasn’t good last year, maybe another year or two on the practice squad learning behind Gilliam and getting stronger might help.

Gilliam makes 3.7 mil this season without his roster bonus.

 

[rkarp1]

Gilliam makes 3.7 mil this season without his roster bonus.

I see Gilliam signed a deal with a $6m guarantee
that guarantee's his;
2026 base -$1.3m
2027 base-$2.3m
signing bonus-$2.4m
total guarantee-$6m
he has game day bonus($25k per game) and snap count bonus (up to $400k if he plays 35%)
he has a work out bonus of $105k

his cap hit in 2026 is $2.8m

 

[ctpatsfan77]

He’s a poor athlete, that room is filled with better athletes. It was a near impossible nut for him to crack, better to cut him loose now than waste a roster spot.

NTs are normally closer to the "immovable object" type; Wilforks don't come along all that often.

 

[Wozzy]

Gilliam makes 3.7 mil this season without his roster bonus.

He’s guaranteed 6 million even over two years, I’m not haggling over small change.

 

[rkarp1]

NTs are normally closer to the "immovable object" type; Wilforks don't come along all that often.

RAS score comp
Shaw-3.19
Vince-6.88
Tonga-7.22
Shaw struggled in school, both UNC and Tex
He was a flier that was an extreme long shot
perhaps he asked for his release?

 

[Wozzy]

NTs are normally closer to the "immovable object" type; Wilforks don't come along all that often.

Wilfork was a strong freakish athlete, he was a 5’11” 345 pound NT who could slam dunk a basketball and had great athleticism for his size.

Shaw was big, he was also a poor athlete and not strong. If you want to be a big immovable object successfully you have to at least be stupid strong like (35 bench reps) Khyiris Tonga.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Wilfork was a strong freakish athlete, he was a 5’11” 345 pound NT who could slam dunk a basketball and had great athleticism for his size.

He was around 6'1".

 

[Steve102]

He was around 6'1".

 

[PatsFan2]

FB - Reggie Gilliam

I noticed that Buffalo hardly used him in their offense other than blocking. He was a big Special Teams guy for the Bills. I am wondering if McDaniels will involve Gilliam in the NE offense rushing and receiving. As a 3rd down and short specialist and goaline battering ram. In 2025, NEP Ernie Johnson had more rush attempts (13) than Gilliam has had in 6 seasons. The Pats are paying Gilliam a fair chunk of money too Reggie Gilliam Contract Details, Salary Cap Charges, Bonus Money, and Contract History | Over The Cap

This signing was pretty weird to me: not impressed at all. To say Gilliam's stats are paltry is being very kind. Also watching James Cook run it seems like he made most of his own holes. Yeah Gilliam was in on some but the Majority was Cook and Buffalo's OL.

 

[Wozzy]

He was around 6'1".

He was 6’1,” still impressive watching a guy that heavy dunk. He was a great athlete. Shaw, not so much.

 

[PatsFan2]

He got what amounts to a two year deal at 3 million per. FB’s don’t play every down and him playing special teams makes his contract a good one.

Seems to me they paid a late 20’s FB for his experience as well as his skills. Westover wasn’t good last year, maybe another year or two on the practice squad learning behind Gilliam and getting stronger might help.

I'm hoping in the more traditional FB Brock Lampe...dudes a Tank and Blocks like one.

 

[rkarp1]

I hoping in the more traditional FB Brock Lampe...dudes a Tank and Blocks like one.

I liked Lampe a lot last year
but he has no shot aside from maybe PS
Gilliam is a lock, unless he injures
I could see Lampe poached at some point if he is on the PS

 

[rkarp1]

it's funny watching a player shrink 3 inches to fit an agenda, and the poster completely ignoring the hypocrisy!

 

[PatsFan2]

I liked Lampe a lot last year
but he has no shot aside from maybe PS
Gilliam is a lock, unless he injures
I could see Lampe poached at some point if he is on the PS

I'm intrigued to see Lan Larison too: him and Lampe were both shut down last year.

 

[rkarp1]

I'm intrigued to see Lan Larison too: him and Lampe were both shut down last year.

yes. me too!
I have Larison winning the 3rd rb spot on my early roster , and becoming the primary KR

 

[Triumph]

He’s guaranteed 6 million even over two years, I’m not haggling over small change.

The majority of his money is paid this season - 3.7 mil plus roster bonus. He already got his signing bonus and his 2026 salary is guaranteed - this season. The Pats evidently have plans for Gilliam and not just Special Teams.

If things dont pan out with him he walks with over 4 mil in his pocket.