The New England Patriots have been active during free agency, agreeing to terms with 12 outside unrestricted free agents. According to one report, you can bump that number up to 13.
As first reported by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Patriots have agreed to contract terms with former Tennessee Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens. According to Fowler, "LB Jack Gibbens to Patriots on a one-year deal. Gibbens had 167 tackles over three seasons in Tennessee, reuniting with Mike Vrabel."
Gibbens started his collegiate career at tiny Abilene Christian before transferring and playing his final season at Minnesota. In that lone season, Gibbens recorded a team-high 92 tackles (56 solo), three tackles for loss, and three pass deflections.
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Gibbens was signed by Vrabel and the Titans as an undrafted free agent. He began his NFL career on Tennessee's practice squad, but eventually earned a spot on the active roster.
Gibbens has appeared in 29 games (20 starts) during his three-year NFL career, totaling 167 tackles (93 solo), one interception, five tackles for loss, and four pass deflections.
In 2024, Gibbens finished with 44 tackles (22 solo), half a sack, and two tackles for loss in 10 games (five starts). He ended his season on Injured Reserve after suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 11.
In New England, Gibbens should be viewed as a depth option on defense and special teams, but his familiarity with Vrabel's defensive system shouldn't be overlooked. There's a very real chance he will play significant snaps this season.
Related: Trade Pitch Has Patriots Sending Second-Year QB to Las Vegas
Copyright 2025 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published March 19, 2025 at 3:20 PM.