New England Patriots
Cutting Gibson frees up a little over in $3 million in cap space for New England.
Antonio Gibson was a valuable depth running back and kick returner last season. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
February 23, 2026 | 5:24 PM
1 minute to read
The New England Patriots have made a roster cut ahead of a busy offseason.
New England announced on Monday that it released running back Antonio Gibson, with the 27-year-old still on the mend after suffering a torn ACL in Week 5 of the 2025 season.
Gibson was a dependable and versatile weapon for New England over the past two seasons — serving as an effective third-down back and an impactful kick returner before suffering his knee injury in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.
Gibson, entering the final year of his three-year contract with New England, did not have any guaranteed money on his deal in 2026. By releasing Gibson, the Patriots will free up a little over $3 million in cap space, per OverTheCap. New England will still be knocked for $1 million in dead money by cutting Gibson.
Gibson appeared in 22 games for the Patriots, rushing for 644 yards and adding another 212 through the air with two offensive touchdowns. He also returned 21 kickoffs for 581 yards and a touchdown — with that score serving as a catalyst for New England’s Week 2 win against Miami in September 2025.
With Gibson now off the roster, New England will be on the prowl for another running back to add to a depth chart anchored by Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson. Gibson’s impact on special teams might be even more glaring, as he was one of the top kick returners in the league at the time of his injury — averaging 28.5 yards per return.
Along with Stevenson and Henderson, Terrell Jennings, Elijah Mitchell, and Lan Larison are also on New England’s depth chart at running back.
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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