The New England Patriots spent the offseason rebuilding their offense, and recent additions could lead to an Antonio Gibson trade. Signed to a three-year, $11.25 million contract in the previous offseason, the former third-round pick played well during his first season in New England. Appearing in all 17 games, the Memphis product finished the season with a combined 744 yards from scrimmage and a 72.6 PFF grade, the 28th-best grade out of 59 eligible running backs.
Antonio Gibson is a good player, but Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports believes that Rhamondre Stevenson’s contract, combined with the selection of running back TreVeyon Henderson, could lead to a trade. New England could save $2.3 million in cap space by trading him now, as compared to just $1.3 million had they made a move before June 1st. While there are plenty of good running backs throughout the league, the following four organizations could send a late-round pick for his services.
Patriots Could Trade Antonio Gibson, Clear Cap Space
Possible Fits
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals extended James Conner, and the ageless wonder is in line for another season of high-volume work. Conner remains a reliable playmaker, but he’s entering his age-30 season and the Cardinals should do something to lessen his workload. 2024 third-round pick Trey Benson did nothing to inspire confidence as a rookie, and an Antonio Gibson trade could increase his odds of maintaining efficiency throughout another 17-game season.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have the league’s weakest group of running backs by a considerable margin. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are both past their primes, and nobody should place too much faith in a fifth-round rookie like Jaydon Blue. Antonio Gibson is not a three-down workhorse by any stretch of the imagination, but the trade target could easily carve out a role in Dallas. With the Cowboys playing in one of the league’s most competitive divisions, they need as much help as they can get to overcome the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.
Kansas City Chiefs
Isaiah Pacheco is a fine running back, but the seventh-round pick doesn’t do much as a receiver. With the aging Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell fighting for a depth role, the reigning AFC champions could use more competition in this open backfield. Andy Reid is one of the best in the league at scheming running backs into the open field, and Gibson’s soft hands and abilities after the catch could make him a perfect fit for this offense.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints are entering a rebuild and shouldn’t spend too much on short-term assets. However, seeing as the team could probably get Antonio Gibson for a late conditional sixth or seventh-round pick, they should consider a trade. Alvin Kamara is still going strong, but the star running back has lost a step and isn’t getting any younger. With Kendre Miller failing to get on the field, Gibson could be an ideal RB2 for this offense and provide a valuable checkdown option for rookie Tyler Shough or second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler.
Main Photo: David Butler – Imagn Images
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