New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson was on track for the lowest offensive snap share of his career and was primarily utilized as the team’s kick returner before an injury abruptly ended his season. Gibson rushed for 106 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown, plus two receptions for six yards across five games, accounting for 17% of offensive snaps. He totaled 342 kick-return yards on 12 returns, including a 90-yard touchdown. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn right ACL in Week 5.
He enters the final year of his contract and was scheduled to earn a $2.85 million base salary, a per-game bonus totaling $510,000, a $140,000 workout bonus, and a $4.14 million cap hit in 2026
New England Patriots have bad news for the $11 million kick returner
New England Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf
Mar 13, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf discusses the team’s recent free agent additions with the media at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images
On X, the Patriots announced they have released Antonio Gibson after two seasons with the team. As a result, the team frees up $3.14 million in cap space while incurring $1 million in dead cap. Cutting Gibson is a strong indication that he may not be ready for the start of training camp. Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson’s roster spot appears safe for now.
Patriots release RB Antonio Gibson: https://t.co/7Pj2vz5Rey pic.twitter.com/zBDqwYJ6HH
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) February 23, 2026
New England Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf
Feb 27, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots general manager Eliot Wolf speaks during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Cut Stefon Diggs: $16.8 million cap savings
Extend Mike Onwenu: $12.29 million cap savings
Restructure Christian Barmore: $7.34 million cap savings
Cut Garrett Bradbury: $5.7 million cap savings
Post June 1 cut Harold Landry: $1.35 million cap savings
Cut Christian Elliss: $5.05 million cap savings
Cut Jahlani Tavai: $1.73 million cap savings
Also Read:NFL Expert Names Patriots’ Underrated X-Factor in Super Bowl LX vs. Seahawks