Patriots $11.25 M Defensive Star Confirms Exit After Pay-Cut Plea Rejected

Foxborough, Massachusetts — The New England Patriots have made their first cut of the offseason by releasing running back Antonio Gibson on February 23, 2026. The decision comes after Gibson's time with the Patriots was marred by injuries, including a significant ACL injury that caused him to miss most of the 2025 season.

Gibson, who signed a three-year, $11 million contract with New England in 2024, had shown promise as a dynamic backfield option. However, his inability to stay healthy during the past season, coupled with his substantial contract, made him expendable for a team looking to free up cap space.

The release of Gibson will save the Patriots approximately $3.1 million in cap space, though they will incur $1 million in dead money as part of the move. The Patriots are actively managing their cap to maintain flexibility for potential roster upgrades and long-term sustainability.

Injury Woes and Unmet Expectations

Gibson's 2025 campaign was plagued by the ACL injury, a setback that greatly hindered his ability to contribute on the field. Prior to the injury, Gibson was expected to play a key role in the Patriots’ offense, alongside veteran running backs. However, his absence for the majority of the season forced the team to rely on other players to carry the load in the backfield.

New England Patriots announced that they have released RB Antonio Gibson. pic.twitter.com/XC2zaUuDjg

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2026

Despite his impressive skill set, including speed, vision, and pass-catching ability, the injury and his resulting lack of availability led to an inevitable decision from the front office. The Patriots are now looking forward to bolstering their running back group in the coming offseason.

A New Chapter for Gibson

While Gibson’s tenure in New England was short-lived, his release marks the end of an era. The running back’s potential was clear when healthy, but the Patriots are now focusing on a new direction. With $3.1 million in cap savings, they’ll have the ability to address other areas of need in the roster.

Gibson now enters free agency at 25 years old, and while his injury history may raise concerns for some teams, his talents as a dual-threat back remain undeniable. He could be an intriguing option for a team looking to add depth at the position, assuming his recovery is on track.

For New England, the release signals a strategic move to reallocate resources as they continue their roster reshaping efforts, focused on building a balanced and healthy squad for the 2026 season.

As Gibson prepares to move on from the Patriots, the team continues to evolve, with the goal of returning to championship contention after another offseason of rebuilding and roster adjustments.