Image courtesy of New England Patriots

Antonio Gibson’s kick return in a massive early-season win down in Miami was one of the most memorable plays in a historic 2025 season for the Patriots.

Getting him a ring would have been nice. If they had won, it would have been one of the best highlights on the DVD/YouTube video.

Unfortunately, that’s not how things went and now, his time with the Pats is over, as the team announced it released Gibson on Monday.

Gibson signed here in 2024 and despite the record last season, showed he can be a valuable contributor both as a back and kick returner. That first season he played in all 17 games, rushing 128 times for 538 yards and a touchdown. He also had 23 catches for 206 yards and he had 581 return yards combined the last two seasons.

Gibson got through just four games this season before the torn ACL in Buffalo. Not only was he a solid contributor – shifty, speedy and decisive – Gibson was one of the guys that added to the incredible culture built by last year’s team.

This also means the Patriots will be in the hunt for a third running back this offseason, whether it be free agency or in the draft. Do they look for more of a pass catcher? Or do they want that return element too? It’ll be an interesting piece of the puzzle that needs to get figured out as things ramp up these next few weeks.

Now a seasoned six-year veteran in the league, there’s little doubt Gibson will get an opportunity somewhere else and add to whatever locker room he ends up in.