Antonio Gibson: Patriots | Patriots Release | NFL | Injury | Kids | Salary

In a stunning move that signals significant changes for the New England Patriots ahead of the upcoming NFL offseason, the team has officially released veteran running back Antonio Gibson. The decision caps a roller-coaster tenure with the Patriots, marked by flashes of big-play ability, special teams success, and a devastating injury that ultimately impacted his future with the team. In this deep-dive article, we’ll explore Gibson’s NFL journey, the reasons behind his release, contractual and salary implications, his injury timeline, and what this could mean for his future — on and off the field.

Who Is Antonio Gibson? Background & NFL Career Overview

Antonio Gibson’s journey to the NFL wasn’t linear, but it’s been impressive.

• Draft & Early Years: Gibson was selected in the third round (66th overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders out of the University of Memphis.

• Role with Commanders: Gibson quickly grew into a key contributor, showcasing his versatility as a runner, receiver, and occasional receiver-turned-back option. Over four seasons in Washington, he compiled solid rushing and receiving totals, even breaking the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2021.

• Signing with Patriots: In March 2024, Gibson signed a three-year, $11.25 million contract with the New England Patriots, bringing his skill set to a new offensive system.

Gibson’s blend of size (6’1″–6’2″, ~228 lbs) and versatility made him a flexible offensive weapon. He could flash as a rusher, catch out of the backfield, and contribute on special teams, particularly as an explosive kick returner.

Patriots Tenure: Ups, Downs & Highlights

During his time in New England, Gibson showed flashes of what he could contribute — when healthy.

2024 Season

• Gibson bolstered the Patriots’ backfield alongside Rhamondre Stevenson and others.

• He also became a dangerous special teams threat, adding value outside of conventional running back duties.

2025 Season Injury

Gibson’s career with the Patriots took a painful turn in Week 5 of the 2025 season during a game against the Buffalo Bills:

• On a kickoff return, he suffered a torn ACL, a season-ending injury that sidelined him immediately.

• The injury shocked fans and coaches alike — it happened early in the game, and he was visibly emotional after exiting the field.

This injury derailed Gibson’s progression and severely limited his ability to contribute during the 2025 campaign.

Gibson’s Release From the Patriots

In February 2026, the Patriots made the tough decision to release Antonio Gibson ahead of the new league year, impacting the team’s roster and salary cap planning.

Why Was He Released?

Multiple factors contributed to this decision:

1. Injury Concerns: Gibson was still in recovery from the ACL tear, and his availability for the upcoming season was uncertain.

2. No Guaranteed Money Left: Gibson had no remaining guaranteed money on his contract for 2026, removing financial obstacles to releasing him.

3. Financial & Roster Strategy: The Patriots freed up over $3 million in cap space by moving on, while only absorbing about $1 million in dead money.

4. Backfield Depth: With Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson leading the running back room, the team felt comfortable reallocating Gibson’s role to others.

Official team sources confirm the move was made after he failed a physical due to lingering effects from his knee injury, underlining why New England took this course.

Contract & Salary Breakdown

Antonio Gibson’s deal with the Patriots was structured to reflect his versatile role:

• 2024 Base Salary: Approx. $1.125 million

• 2025 Base Salary: ~$2.35 million

• 2026 Base Salary: ~$2.85 million (no guaranteed portion)

• Incentives and bonuses could have pushed his total earnings higher.

However, his release before the 2026 season means:

• The Patriots save around $3+ million against the cap.

• Gibson may still collect up to $2.1 million in salary if he remains injured and unsigned, depending on injury protections or benefits outlined in his contract.

This structure illustrates how NFL contracts — especially for running backs — often blend guaranteed money, performance incentives, and team flexibility.

Patriots Backfield After Gibson

With Gibson gone, New England’s backfield centers around:

• Rhamondre Stevenson — veteran lead back.

• TreVeyon Henderson — young rising talent.

• Terrell Jennings, Elijah Mitchell, and others providing depth.

Stevenson’s powerful downhill running and Henderson’s explosive potential will be crucial next season. The Patriots must now address special teams and depth strategies that Gibson’s release leaves vacant.

What This Means for the Patriots

This release reflects several trends in the NFL:

• Teams prioritizing health and roster flexibility, especially at running back — a position defined by wear and injuries.

• Cap management is more essential than ever under current league economic pressures.

• Youth movement, where younger, cheaper players often supplant veterans unless the veteran is consistently elite.

For the Patriots, releasing Gibson is a calculated gamble that prioritizes cap space and long-term planning over sentimental value.

Antonio Gibson Off the Field: Family and Life Beyond Football

While players are primarily judged by their on-field contributions, they’re people too — with families, aspirations, and life beyond the game.

Although specific public information about Gibson’s children isn’t widely reported, his family life — especially his relationship with his wife, Victoria — has been part of media narratives. Earlier reports highlighted moments where his injury allowed him to spend time with family during significant Patriots events, showcasing the human side of the NFL grind.

Injuries like an ACL tear are not just physical setbacks — they also test a player’s mental resilience and life priorities. For Gibson, the next chapter might involve rehabilitation, free agency, and a chance to continue his career elsewhere.

What’s Next For Antonio Gibson?

Now a free agent and recovering from a major knee injury, Gibson faces several possible futures:

1. Full Recovery & Comeback

If he fully rebounds from his ACL injury, teams in need of versatile backs and special teams contributors might show interest — especially later in the offseason once medical evaluations are complete.

2. Restructured Contract

Gibson might accept a prove-it deal — potentially lower base salary but with performance bonuses — a common path for players coming off injury.

3. Retirement or Transition Roles

Rare, but possible if injuries linger — players occasionally explore roles in coaching, mentoring, or media.

Regardless of what happens next, Gibson’s NFL journey is far from over — and many fans and analysts agree there could be a landing spot where his unique skill set still matters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why did the Patriots release Antonio Gibson?
A: The Patriots released Gibson due to a combination of his injury status (torn ACL), lack of guaranteed money, and strategic salary cap considerations.

Q2: How much money did Gibson make with the Patriots?
A: Gibson’s contract included base salaries of approximately $1.125M (2024), $2.35M (2025), and $2.85M (2026), along with bonuses and incentives. However, he did not have guaranteed money remaining in 2026.

Q3: What was Gibson’s injury and how serious was it?
A: Gibson suffered a torn ACL in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season during a kickoff return, ending his season and significantly affecting his future with the Patriots.

Q4: Can Gibson sign with another team?
A: Yes, if he fully recovers and passes medical evaluations, Gibson could sign with another NFL team — potentially on a structured contract that reflects his recent injury history.

Q5: Did Gibson have kids or family widely covered?
A: There are occasional personal stories about Gibson’s family life, particularly involving his wife, but detailed public information about his children is limited.

Conclusion

Antonio Gibson’s release from the Patriots is one of the more notable offseason roster moves in the NFL, touching on key issues like player health, salary cap management, roster construction, and the realities of a running back career. As NFL teams balance financial flexibility with competitive goals, players like Gibson continue to remind fans of the fragility and unpredictability of professional football careers.