The Detroit Lions worked out free agent RB Mike Gillislee, a player with ties to head coach Matt Patricia’s time with the New England Patriots.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Lions worked out Gillislee on Thursday. Because he did not end the 2019 season on any roster, the running back is free to be signed before the opening of regular free agency in March.
Gillislee, now 28, was dumped by the New Orleans Saints after four games last fall. He played for the Patriots in 2017, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and scoring five TDs as part of New England’s backfield by committee. Originally a fifth-round pick out of Florida by the Miami Dolphins, the 5-11, 210-pounder had his best season in 2016 for the Buffalo Bills, rushing for 5.7 yards per carry and scoring eight TDs.
The Lions did not immediately sign Gillislee.
