Former Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson is likely a cut candidate before the 2025 NFL regular season after the latest moves from the New England Patriots. According to a report, since the Patriots are heading in another direction, the team could consider releasing running back Gibson, who hasn’t been able to make his mark on this roster. After drafting TreVeyon Henderson, it makes sense for the Patriots to move on, as reportedly, he has similar characteristics to Gibson. Originally selected in the 2020 NFL Draft, the former Memphis product made promising strides with the Commanders by becoming the first rookie since Alfred Morris to record 1,000 rushing yards from scrimmage.
The running back lost his starting job to new draft prospect Brian Robinson Jr. in the 2022 campaign and became a kick returner for the roster. However, this meant that he didn’t have a proper future in Washington as the team stuck with Robinson as the starter. After posting 48 receptions for 389 receiving yards and two touchdowns, Gibson became a free agent, signing a three-year contract with the Patriots. Despite that, the running back never eclipsed 1,000 yards other than rookie year, so it makes sense why the team could move on.
New head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t sign Gibson last year, as it was under the Jerod Mayo era. With that, Gibson might not earn a starting role anymore for a while, but these three teams could bank on him for at least some depth help in their department.
Breaking: Former Commander Third Rounder Antonio Gibson is a Cut Candidate – 3 Potential Landing Spots
Next Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers could use more help in their running back room, despite signing Rico Dowdle in free agency and drafting Trevor Etienne. The team got some major relief for the long term, but Etienne won’t be ready for backup duties as he will likely still develop. Jonathan Brooks will be out for the 2025 campaign with a season-ending injury and won’t be ready until the start of week 1 in 2026. The Panthers are solid with Chuba Hubbard, but Dowdle seems more of a short-term project that could last only for a year while Etienne becomes their major backup.
Perhaps, quarterback Bryce Young could rely on running the football for the majority of this season, while there is a lot of confidence in leading this roster. They won’t be playoff contenders, but the team might be better off with Gibson taking some snaps to help Hubbard and Dowdle.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are doing their experiment this upcoming year. Najee Harris is signing on a one-year deal, but after drafting Omarion Hampton, the Chargers will figure out who’s more suitable in a starting role. Harris might win the job, obviously, but they could use a veteran like Gibson in the backend of this depth chart to keep the running back room afloat. Hampton might not be ready, and Gibson could take over for the time being.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys surprisingly still need another running back, as they have one of the worst in the league this year. Despite signing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, these two are way too mediocre to keep the run game stabilized. The Cowboys need talent, period, and they won’t get that out of Sanders, Williams or draft acquisitions in Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah.
Gibson at least provides some long-term relief as a potential backup for this roster while the Cowboys figure out who their immediate starter for the future is.
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