The New England Patriots have signed their first free-agent player of the off-season, adding a veteran running back to the team.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and CBS’s Sports Josiana Anderson, the Patriots have signed running back Antonio Gibson to a three-year contract.
Gibson, 25, entered the NFL in 2020 as a third-round pick from the Washington Commanders. In Washington, he has appeared in 61 games, rushing for 2,643 yards and 22 touchdowns. The pass-catching running back added 172 receptions for 1,283 yards and seven scores.
In each of his last seasons, Gibson has recorded four catches. The Commanders drafted Brian Robinson Jr. in 2022, which shifted Gibson’s responsibilities to a primary backup running back.
Gibson adds depth to the Patriots running back room, and Primrlay can be used as a third-down back.
In College, Gibson played college wide receiver and will split running back duties with Rhamondre Stevenson next year.
Last season, Ezekiel Eliot was the primary third-down back for the Patriots. However, Zeke is now a free agent. Last season, he led the Patriots with 642 rushing yards.
The move will be finalized once the new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.