New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (4) eludes the tackle of Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (42) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (4) eludes the tackle of Arizona Cardinals safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (42) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)Gibson
The Patriots have started clearing some roster space while adding more money to their salary cap.
On Monday, the team released veteran running back Antonio Gibson. The 27-year-old provided solid depth for the Patriots over the last two seasons. However, Gibson suffered a season-ending knee injury last year. That limited him to five games played.
This move wasn’t surprising. Gibson entered 2026 in the final year of his 3-year contract, and none of this year’s salary was guaranteed. Gibson was set to account for $4.14 million on the Patriots’ salary cap. By releasing him, the team frees up $3.1 million off their salary cap.
Gibson will still account for $1 million in dead money, which is from his $3 million signing bonus, as that was prorated throughout the three-year deal.
The Patriots entered this week with an estimated $40.5 million in cap space, according to Overthecap.com. That gave the team the 11th most cap space heading into free agency, which starts the week of March 9.
By releasing Gibson, the Patriots clear up a roster spot and some more money to spend elsewhere this offseason.
Signed in 2024, Gibson was one of the few veteran free agents who signed with the Patriots after Jerod Mayo was hired as head coach. A former 1,000-yard rusher in 2021, Gibson backed up Rhamondre Stevenson in 2024, rushing for 538 yards with one touchdown.
Last year, Gibson started the season as the Patriots’ No. 3 running back behind Stevenson and rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson. Gibson ran for 106 yards in five games before his knee injury.
Gibson’s biggest impact last season came on special teams. He was the Patriots’ most efficient kickoff returner, averaging 28.5 yards per return. Gibson was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after Week 2 when he scored on a 90-yard kickoff return against the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots’ kickoff return game was not as efficient after Gibson went down.
The team could add another returner this offseason. It also remains to be seen if they add another running back. The team currently has Stevenson, Henderson, Terrell Jennings, Elijah Mitchell, and Lan Larison on the depth chart.
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