New England Patriots Continue Torrid Off-Season: Sign Deals With Three Players

As Bill Belichick, head coach of the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots, is prone to say, there are "No Days Off" in the National Football League. Although the regular season doesn't kick off for nearly five months, Belichick was in playoff form as of late, signing three potential players this fall to the roster.

(images via ABCNews)

Malcolm Butler, two-time Super Bowl hero, is the headliner of the package. He finally signed his 1-year, $3.91 million dollar deal. He could still be traded - think New Orleans - before the 2017 NFL Draft late this April, but this was an important hurdle to clear for him contributing to New England's team this fall.

Two running backs not named LeGarrette Blount also reached contract terms with the Patriots.

(image via Patriots.com)

James White, who scored the winning touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons this February, signed a three-year deal that will keep him in New England through 2020.

Mike Gillislee of the Buffalo Bills also reached a two-year deal with New England, although the Bills will have a chance to match the front-loaded ($4 million in year one) contract. If the Bills let him go, that would effectively shut the door on a Blount return, barring injury.