The New England Patriots appeared to address their need for a pass-catching backfield option by signing former Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson early in NFL free agency.
However, Gibson emphasized to the New England media on Monday that he is prepared to contribute in any way necessary to help the team succeed.
“I don’t want to limit myself to just a third-down back role,” Gibson told reporters in a video conference. “I want to compete, and I believe that competition will elevate the running back group. We can achieve great things together… I’m excited to have a fantastic year with these guys.”
Antonio Gibson, a four-year NFL veteran, brings a versatile skill set that should quickly integrate with the Patriots. During his time in Washington, he gained 2,643 yards on 642 attempts with 22 touchdowns.
Additionally, he has excelled as a receiver out of the backfield, catching 172 passes for 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns. Gibson emphasized his flexibility, stating that he can be effective in various roles as desired by New England’s coaching staff. “I’m just a guy that’s able to make plays,” Gibson said.
“I can run the ball. I can catch the ball. My experience in running routes helps separate me from just that third-down role… You can line me up outside, and I can block too.
” In addition to his offensive capabilities, Gibson has shown proficiency in kick returns, averaging 23.6 yards per return on 35 attempts since 2022. While it remains uncertain whether the Patriots plan to utilize Gibson in the return game this season, he is open to all possibilities. “Whatever you need, I can get it done,” Gibson asserted.
Gibson’s addition addresses the Patriots’ need for a third-down option behind lead back Rhamondre Stevenson. Despite a high-ankle sprain sidelining Stevenson for the latter part of last season, he finished with 619 yards and four touchdowns, averaging four yards per attempt. Stevenson is expected to be a focal point of new coordinator Alex Van Pelt’s offense if fully healthy at the start of the season.
Gibson admires
With the start of the team’s offseason workout program approaching, Gibson is energized by the positive atmosphere he feels as part of the Patriots. He attributed much of his decision to sign with New England to his meeting with head coach Jerod Mayo.
“He [Mayo] has a different vibe as a head coach,” Gibson said. “He sounded like he was talking to one of the guys. Having that kind of personality in the locker room… I feel like that is something that might be a positive thing, for him to relate and communicate like that.”
Gibson now joins Stevenson as the top two backs on the Patriots’ positional depth chart. Veteran free agent Ezekiel Elliott took over as the lead back in Stevenson’s absence and performed well, leading the team in both rushing yards (642) and receptions (51).
Second-year rusher Kevin Harris served as the team’s top reserve later in the season, while reserve Ja’Mycal Hasty was mostly a healthy scratch. Both Harris and Hasty are under contract with New England this season, while Elliott remains available on the open market.
Stevenson and can relate to him, as they both attended junior college. Stevenson went to Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, while Gibson attended East Central Community College in Decatur, Mississippi.
This shared junior college background has created a bond between them as they aim for success in the NFL. “I hit up [Rhamondre] right after I signed [with New England],” Gibson recalled. “We’re both ‘JuCo’ guys, so there’s a lot of mutual respect. But I really love his game, and I’m excited to work with him.”
