The New England Patriots have officially parted ways with running back Antonio Gibson, as announced by the team on Monday. The 27-year-old player is currently in recovery from a season-ending torn ACL, an injury he sustained during a victory against the Buffalo Bills in October. Before his injury, Gibson held the role of the Patriots’ primary kick returner and was the team’s third-string running back, serving behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
Gibson was set to begin the final year of his free-agent contract, signed in 2024, and his release provides the Patriots with a boost in cap space, adding over $2 million to their financial flexibility. This strategic move contributes to New England’s growing cap surplus, expected to exceed $38 million as they head into the 2026 league year.
During his tenure with the Patriots, Gibson recorded 644 rushing yards and two touchdowns over a span of just over two seasons. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and made 25 receptions for 212 yards. Gibson was particularly notable on kick returns, averaging 27.2 yards per return, including a remarkable 90-yard touchdown return in Week 2 against Miami, which marked a significant highlight in Mike Vrabel’s coaching era.
Before joining the Patriots, Gibson spent his initial four NFL seasons with the Washington Commanders after being selected in the third round of the 2020 draft out of Memphis. He had a standout second season where he rushed for over 1,000 yards but encountered struggles with fumbles later in his career with Washington.
With Gibson’s departure, the Patriots are left with a running back roster that includes Stevenson, Henderson, Terrell Jennings, and Lan Larison, indicating a potential shift in their offensive dynamics as they look ahead to future games. This could provide an opportunity for the remaining backs to step up and showcase their abilities in the wake of Gibson’s exit.