Feb. 23, 2026, 7:25 p.m. ET

The NFL offseason is underway, and teams have begun making roster moves in anticipation of the opening of free agency in two weeks. On Monday, the AFC champion New England Patriots released former Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson.

A third-round pick out of Memphis in the 2020 NFL Draft, Gibson was initially selected as a wide receiver. However, Washington made Gibson a full-time running back, and he enjoyed an excellent rookie season, rushing for 795 yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry, and a team-high 11 touchdowns.

In 2021, Gibson rushed for 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught three touchdowns. His role began to change in 2022, when Washington drafted Brian Robinson Jr. Gibson shifted to a more part-time role over his final two seasons. He departed after the 2023 season, signing with the Patriots.

In four seasons with the Commanders, Gibson rushed for 2,643 yards, 22 touchdowns, and averaged 4.1 yards per attempt. He also caught 172 passes and seven touchdowns for Washington. In two seasons with the Patriots, Gibson rushed for 644 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching 25 passes for 212 yards. He tore his ACL in Week 5 of the 2025 season and missed the remainder of New England’s run to the Super Bowl.

Gibson is only 27, and while he’s known as an excellent receiver out of the backfield, he is also a standout kick returner. Once healthy, Gibson should have no trouble landing a job.

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