The New England Patriots surprised many by dramatically improving their performance in 2025, advancing all the way to Super Bowl LX after winning only four games the previous season. Despite the remarkable turnaround, the Patriots fell short of securing the title, prompting the team to evaluate its roster and make tough decisions moving forward. On Monday, the Patriots released running back Antonio Gibson, a move aimed at creating salary cap space during the team’s offseason reshuffle.
Antonio Gibson began the 2025 season as a modest option in the Patriots’ backfield but quickly proved his value alongside Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. Over five games, Gibson accumulated 106 rushing yards and one touchdown on 25 carries, also adding two receptions for six yards. Unfortunately, his campaign ended abruptly in Week 5 with a torn ACL sustained during New England’s important win against the Buffalo Bills.
Following Gibson’s injury, Stevenson and Henderson developed into a formidable running back duo, leading the Patriots to decide on releasing Gibson to save $3.14 million in cap space. The reactions from Gibson and his wife, Victoria, varied after the announcement. Victoria posted an Instagram video dancing to Rihanna’s hit song Work, which some interpreted as a subtle expression of frustration with the organization. Conversely, Gibson chose to publicly express his gratitude toward the Patriots and their fans.
Thank you to the organization and the fans for the support and belief but the journey continues and the best is yet to come…🙏🏾💯,
Antonio Gibson wrote on Instagram.
Patriots Consider Options to Replace Gibson Amid Broader Roster Priorities
With Gibson no longer on the roster, Terrell Jennings has stepped up as the Patriots’ third running back, yet his limited on-field performance has not been overwhelming. This situation leaves the Patriots in need of a running back replacement either through free agency or the later rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, thanks to the salary cap space freed by Gibson’s release.
Still, the running back position is not expected to be a top priority during the offseason. The Patriots appear more focused on strengthening other key areas such as the offensive line, wide receiver spots, and defensive end positions. While Gibson’s tenure with New England has come to an end under challenging circumstances, he is likely to attract interest from other teams league-wide, even as he recovers from his serious knee injury sustained last season.
