Jack Gibbens
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Patriots linebacker Jack Gibbens is set to take a free agent visit with the Cardinals
The New England Patriots have followed up their surprise run to Super Bowl LX by making several notable moves in free agency. With guys like Romeo Doubs, Dre’Mont Jones, and Alijah Vera-Tucker highlighting their latest group of newcomers, the Pats appear set to build off of their impressive 2025 campaign.
New England has also worked on keeping several of its own free agents in town. In a somewhat surprising move, though, it looks like the front office is willing to let Jack Gibbens walk in free agency. After non-tendering the veteran linebacker, reports indicate that Gibbens is set to take a free agent visit later this week.
Jack Gibbens Scheduled for Free Agent Visit with the Cardinals
Jeremy Fowler
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As part of the Patriots’ spending spree last offseason, they brought Gibbens to town after he previously played for head coach Mike Vrabel during their shared time with the Tennessee Titans. Gibbens filled several different roles for New England, racking up 81 tackles, one sack, four pass deflections, and one forced fumble during his 17 games on the field.
A restricted free agent, it seemed like the Pats would take advantage of the fact that they had the inside track to re-sign Gibbens. Instead, they surprisingly non-tendered him, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent. Beyond that, New England also signed linebacker K.J. Britt to a one-year contract in free agency, which seems to indicate that Gibbens won’t be returning to town.
The Patriots admittedly did release Jahlani Tavai ahead of free agency, so they still could use a player like Gibbens. For now, though, he’s testing the open market, as he’s reportedly set to take a visit with the Arizona Cardinals later this week as he looks for a new home in the NFL, with the Pats seemingly letting him walk.
“Linebacker/special-teamer Jack Gibbens, who played a valuable backup role for the Patriots in 2025 but wasn’t tendered an offer as a restricted free agent, is scheduled to visit the Cardinals early this week, according to a league source,” Mike Reiss of ESPN reported.
Should the Patriots Re-Sign Jack Gibbens?
Jack Gibbens of the New England Patriots
GettyJack Gibbens of the New England Patriots
Gibbens played a bigger role than the Patriots were likely expecting him to in 2025, thanks in large part to Robert Spillane dealing with some injury woes late in the season. There’s no doubt that Gibbens held his own when he found himself filling in for Spillane, but the play of the team’s defense took a hit when he was running the unit instead of Spillane.
That doesn’t mean Gibbens isn’t worth re-signing, but New England appears intent on upgrading the linebacker position this offseason. While Spillane, Britt, and Christian Elliss headlining this spot right now, it looks like the Patriots may opt to let Gibbens walk and see if they can find a replacement for him, whether it be in free agency or the draft. A reunion could still be in the cards, but it’s appearing more and more likely that Gibbens is headed for the exit door.