The New England Patriots made a strange roster move ahead of free agency, as they released veteran running back Antonio Gibson just weeks ahead of the start of the 2026 league year. A former third-round pick of the Washington Football Team, Gibson spent the past two seasons as a rotational player in New England’s backfield. While an ACL injury limited him to just five games, the Memphis product finished the season with 106 rushing yards and one touchdown on 25 attempts while adding two receptions for six yards and a kick return touchdown.
Antonio Gibson is the classic jack of all trades, master of none, who can help out in all three phases of the game. He won’t break the bank, but assuming he’s healthy, he should draw some interest on the open market.
4 Teams That Could Sign Antonio Gibson After Patriots Release
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans have a lot of work to do on the offensive side of the ball. While the defense is elite, the offensive line is subpar, the running back work needs reinforcements, and they could use another wide receiver or two. With all that being said, they’re currently $4.9 million over the cap and don’t have the financial resources to dramatically improve the roster. Signing a cheap, cost-effective player like Antonio Gibson makes all the sense in the world, as the former Patriots running back can complement fourth-round pick Woody Marks and allow Houston to focus most of their limited resources on the offensive line.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs haven’t had a true three-down back since Kareem Hunt’s first stint with the team. While they could (and likely will) target someone like Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker if they reach the open market, Antonio Gibson would be a fine fallback option. Gibson is not a starter at this stage in his career, but he has a reliable set of hands and could be a good fit in Andy Reid’s offense. Seeing as Patrick Mahomes is coming back from a torn ACL, Kansas City would be wise to invest in a solid receiving back like Gibson.
New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara is one of the greatest players in New Orleans Saints history, but time comes for us all. The former third-round pick looked like a shell of himself last year, and now that he’s entering his age-31 season, his best days are likely behind him. Antonio Gibson is no spring chicken himself, but the former Patriot can make life easier for potential franchise quarterback Tyler Shough. If nothing else, having Gibson in the backfield could ease Kamara’s workload and keep him fresh deeper into the season.
Arizona Cardinals
First-year head coach Mike LaFleur has bigger issues to address than the running back position, but it wouldn’t hurt to add another body to the room. James Conner missed the majority of the season with an injury, and nobody made a case to be the heir apparent to his throne. Antonio Gibson won’t steal the starting job, but he can provide some stability for whoever is under center when Week 1 rolls around.
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