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Veteran RB Drafted in the 3rd Round Refuses Invitation to Return to the Patriots, Eyes Buffalo Bills – Fans Speculate It’s a Revenge Move After Serious Injury

Foxborough, Massachusetts – Former New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson is creating a stir after refusing an invitation to return on a lower contract from his former team, instead aiming toward the Buffalo Bills – a direct rival in the AFC East. The decision has Patriots fans speculating: could this be a “revenge” move after being released just months following a severe ACL injury?

Gibson joined the Patriots in 2024 on a three-year contract worth $11.25 million, quickly becoming a versatile weapon in the backfield and on special teams. He made his mark with 1,407 kick return yards and one touchdown across two seasons, while also supporting Rhamondre Stevenson effectively in a rotational role.

Antonio Gibson's Family Left Heartbroken as Wife Victoria Reveals  Daughter's Emotional Reaction to RB's Patriots Release - Yahoo Sports

But everything changed during the 2025 season. Gibson started strong with 106 yards and one touchdown through five games, until he suffered a torn ACL on a kick return against the Buffalo Bills on October 5, 2025. He missed the rest of the season, was placed on injured reserve, and faced a long recovery timeline of 9–12 months.

The Patriots decided to release Gibson on February 23, 2026, saving roughly $3.1 million in cap space while absorbing about $1 million in dead money. The team prioritized young running backs such as TreVeyon Henderson and kept Stevenson as the primary starter, leaving Gibson as an unrestricted free agent at age 28.

“After the ACL injury happened right there at Highmark Stadium, they released me just to save cap space without giving me a full chance to rehab within the system,” Gibson said in a recent interview. “I want to go somewhere where my value is truly recognized — a fresh start to prove I still have explosive ability.”

Gibson’s blunt comments quickly sparked controversy. Many fans believe that targeting the Bills — a team currently looking for running back depth and special teams help around quarterback Josh Allen — could be his way of getting back at the Patriots for letting him go too soon after such a major injury.

Gibson’s future remains open. The Bills could sign him to a low-risk, high-reward contract if his physical checks out. If that happens, the storyline could intensify every time he faces the Patriots. For New England, the situation highlights the ongoing challenges of salary-cap management and long-term injury decisions during the rebuild under Mike Vrabel.

Whether this becomes a true comeback story or simply an emotional chapter remains to be seen. The 2026 season will provide the answer.

With a New Destination in Mind, Joey Bosa Unexpectedly Announces He Will Never Return to Buffalo Bills. The Real Reason Behind His Departure Leaves Bills Mafia Deeply Moved
Buffalo, New York – A major shockwave hit the Buffalo Bills organization as star pass rusher Joey Bosa officially declared that he would not be returning to Buffalo for the upcoming season, despite still having the option to stay. His departure is sure to leave the Bills Mafia feeling heartbroken and moved by the emotional decision. An Uneven Career in Buffalo When Bosa signed a one-year, $12.6 million deal with the Buffalo Bills last offseason, hopes were high for him to bolster the team’s pass rush. He had a strong season, recording 5 sacks in 562 snaps and leading the NFL with 5 forced fumbles. However, despite his contributions, Bosa couldn’t fully overcome struggles, especially against the run, and he made a costly penalty in overtime during the team’s playoff loss to the Denver Broncos. Mixed Emotions In a recent interview, Bosa couldn’t hide his emotions when discussing his decision to leave. He shared:“Buffalo will always be a part of my heart. I love this team, and I love the fans. But I know my time here has come to an end, and I need to find a new path to compete for a Super Bowl. This is the hardest decision of my career, but I can’t stay in someone else’s shadow forever. I will always remember the moments here, and I’ll forever be grateful to Buffalo for giving me memories I’ll never forget.” The Real Reason Behind His Departure However, the real reason behind this decision is not just the challenges Bosa faced in Buffalo, but his long-term strategy to find a new opportunity. After an underwhelming season, Bosa decided that joining a Super Bowl-contending team was the next step he needed to take. A New Opportunity with the San Francisco 49ers According to several reliable sources, Bosa is expected to join the San Francisco 49ers, a team in need of a top pass rusher after Bryce Huff's sudden retirement. The possibility of reuniting with his brother Nick Bosa in San Francisco has many people believing that the move could become a reality. However, as Bosa mentioned, his move to the 49ers is not just about family but because the team has the roster to help him chase the Super Bowl he has always dreamed of. A New Future Awaits Though Bosa’s departure leaves a huge gap in the Bills’ defense, he emphasized that he would never forget the great moments he had in Buffalo. He expressed his gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and especially the Bills Mafia – the fans who supported him throughout his time in Buffalo. “Thank you all for the love and support. You are the reason I’ve made it this far. I’ll never forget you, but my time in Buffalo has come to an end. I hope you’ll continue to support me in this new chapter of my journey.” Conclusion While Bosa’s decision to leave is undoubtedly a necessary step in his career, his love for the Buffalo Bills and their fans will never fade. For Bosa, this is just the beginning of a new chapter in his career, and we will all continue to watch his journey, where the Super Bowl dream awaits.