Entering the first offseason of their post-Bill Belichick rebuild, the New England Patriots aimed at strengthening their foundation. The oft-mentioned “draft and develop” approach to roster construction played a core role in that process, and resulted in high-profile draft picks and free agency re-signings. Outside free agents, meanwhile, were added in a more careful fashion.
Of the 11 players brought in before the NFL Draft, only two signed multi-year contracts: linebacker Sione Takitaki, who was added on a two-year pact, and running back Antonio Gibson. A former third-round draft pick by the Washington Commanders , Gibson was the first free agent signed by the Patriots in the legal tampering period. He joined the club via a three-year, $11.
25 million contract that stands as a reflection of what the team believes he can offer: a productive complementary option alongside Rhamondre Stevenson. Four games into the 2024 regular season, Gibson is just that. Serving as RB2 alongside Stevenson, he has carried the football 29 times for 155 yards to result in a healthy average of 5.
3 yards per carry. Gibson has additionally caught seven passes for 82 more yards, even though most of that production — 50 yards — came on a garbage-time catch-and-run against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4. His production as a running back in particular has looked promising, though.
In fact, as NBC Sports’ Phil Perry pointed out, Gibson is one of the most efficient ball carriers in the league .