New England Patriots agree to a 3-year deal with former Washington Commanders running back
The New England Patriots have agreed to a deal with running back Antonio Gibson, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.
Mark Daniels of MassLive added that it is a three-year deal. Mike Reiss of ESPN reported the deal has a base value of $11.25 million and maximum value of $17.25 million. The deal is reportedly worth $5.3 in guarantees, according to Tom Pellissero.
Gibson will take the role of the third down back essentially replacing free agent Ezekiel Elliot. The 26-year old, ran for 265 yards and caught 48 passes for 389 yards (8.1 yards per reception) for the Commanders last season.
In 2021, Gibson had a career year on the ground when he rushed for 1,037 yards in a career high 258 attempts. Over the last two seasons his role as a runner has diminished seeing only 214 attempts total.
Gibson is listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds has totaled 94 catches since 2022 in the Commanders offense. That ranks 10th in the NFL as he is tied with Tony Pollard. Patriots starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson has 107 catches.
The former third round pick had one of his best games of this past season against the Patriots. He caught five passes for 42 yards and added 34 yards on the ground on six attempts. Gibson and Stevenson will be able to rotate together without a dip in production.
“Gibson graded 5th in pass-blocking among RBs with 50+ snaps in pass protection last year, per PFF.
Fourth on that list? Rhamondre Stevenson, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald posted on Twitter/X.
The running back depth chart for the Patriots is now Stevenson, Gibson, Kevin Harris, and Jamychal Hasty. Ke’Shawn Vaughn is also under contract on a futures deal.
