What this recent agreement with RB means for the Patriots
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, former Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson has agreed to a three-year, $11.25M deal with the New England Patriots.
The agreement means many things for New England and their upcoming season.
Patriots add versatility to a boring offense: Having a versatile RB can propel an offense to success. Kansas City and San Francisco — 2023's conference champions — both featured dynamic receiving-backs in Isiah Pacheco and Christian McCaffrey. The Patriots are copying that winning formula by adding Gibson.
Gibson played wide receiver and running back in his collegiate career, before being drafted by Washington in 2020. In his four-year NFL career, Gibson has 2,643 yards and 22 TDs on the ground and 1,283 yards and seven TDs through the air.
The Patriots' offense the last few seasons has been boring and predictable. Gibson's multi-faceted game will help to change that.
Glimpse into new offensive system/scheme: With a brand new offensive approach for 2024 under recently-added offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, some 2023 Patriots players no longer fit the scheme.
As CLNS Media's Taylor Kyles points out, adding Gibson highlights what type of players Van Pelt is looking for:
"Gibson should be a great fit in [Alex Van Pelt's wide zone scheme]. Has the speed to get outside, but shows the vision and efficient footwork to cut back inside and make penetrators miss," Kyles said Monday.
Long-term stability for a questionable RB room: New England's RB future is uncertain. 2023 standout Ezekiel Elliott's contract has yet to be renewed and Pro Bowl Rhamondre Stevenson's contract is also running out.
Gibson adds much-needed stability, so that if Stevenson or Elliott depart, a solid option will remain.
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