New England Patriots Release Veteran Running Back Antonio Gibson

In a significant roster reshuffle, the New England Patriots have announced the release of veteran running back Antonio Gibson, officially ending his two-year tenure with the team. This move comes as part of the organization’s efforts to refine their squad following a disappointing 29-13 Super Bowl defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.

Background on Antonio Gibson

Antonio Gibson, 27, initially signed with the Patriots in 2024 on a lucrative $11.25 million deal. His contract was set to impact the salary cap by $4.14 million for the upcoming season, according to ESPN. Gibson’s time in New England was marred by injury, as he suffered an ACL tear in early October, sidelining him during much of the Patriots’ Super Bowl run in 2026.

Career Highlights

• Drafted: Third-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2020
• Career Stats:
  • Rushing Yards: 3,287
  • Touchdowns: 24
  • Receiving Yards: 1,495
  • Receiving Touchdowns: 7
• Notable Season: In 2021, Gibson rushed for over 1,000 yards, recording a career-high 11 touchdowns in his rookie season.

In light of his release, Gibson took to Instagram to express gratitude:

“Thank you to the organization and the fans for the support and belief. The journey continues and the best is yet to come…”

Antonio Gibson has been a formidable player since joining the league. (Getty Images)

Looking Ahead for the Patriots

Head coach Mike Vrabel acknowledged the challenges ahead for the Patriots, stating:

“There’ll be some difficult decisions that we’ll have to make… We like the foundation of it and we’ll try to improve on it.”

With Gibson gone, the Patriots are expected to lean more heavily on their current running backs, namely:

• Rhamondre Stevenson: A key player entering his fourth year.
• TreVeyon Henderson: A promising rookie filling the RB2 role.

Financial Outlook

The platform Over The Cap suggests that the Patriots will have approximately $38.5 million in effective salary cap space this season, providing the team with ample opportunity to make strategic additions through free agency and trades.

Conclusion

The release of Antonio Gibson marks a pivotal point for the New England Patriots as they aim to rebound from their recent Super Bowl loss. This decision, alongside others, signals a commitment to rebuilding and enhancing the team’s core for future success.

For further details on NFL team rosters and player stats, visit ESPN, or for updates on salary caps, check out Over The Cap.