Running back Antonio Gibson (4) on the field against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at Gillette Stadium. David Butler II-Imagn Images

Antonio Gibson to be an intriguing free agent after being cut by Patriots

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 8:10 PM ET

Running back Antonio Gibson is going to become a free agent after spending the past two seasons with the New England Patriots.

It's being reported that Gibson, 27, is being cut by the Patriots in an effort to clear some salary cap room.

He was set to count $4.14 million towards the 2026 cap, and he's coming off a torn ACL he suffered in Week 5 of this past season.

By cutting him, the Pats cleared $3.14 million of cap space.

In just five games, he rushed 25 times for 106 yards and a touchdown. Gibson. He also notched a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Week 2, which earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

New England Patriots announced that they have released RB Antonio Gibson. pic.twitter.com/XC2zaUuDjg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2026

Antonio Gibson is a 'dual-threat' running back

Gibson was a third-round pick by the Washington Commanders in the 2020 NFL Draft.

He started 32 games in Washington and played in 61 over four seasons, notching 2,643 yards and 22 touchdowns while also putting up 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns as a receiver.

The Patriots signed him to a three-year contract in 2024 worth $11.25 million.

The fact that he's coming off an injury is concerning, but a team looking for a "dual-threat" backup running back on the cheap could do a lot worse than Gibson.

Again, he's only 27 years old, and there's reason to believe he may have a few more seasons left in him as a role player.

It will be interesting to see where he ends up.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

More must-reads: