Drake Maye and the New England Patriots did not close out the 2025 NFL season as they would have hoped. After cruising through the AFC playoffs, taking down the Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, the Patriots met their match in Super Bowl LX, falling to the Seattle Seahawks 29-13.
Still, Maye had the best season of his brief two-year career in New England. The former North Carolina quarterback posted MVP-caliber numbers, completing 354-of-492 passes for 4,394 yards, 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding another 450 yards and two scores on the ground. The Patriots also received a significant boost from their running back tandem of TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, but will enter 2026 without another running back from the roster.
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New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) warms up before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium.Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
Antonio Gibson, after spending two years with the Memphis Tigers, was selected by the Washington Commanders (formerly the Washington Football Team) in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The running back spent his first four NFL seasons in the nation’s capital, even eclipsing the 1,000-yard mark in 2021.
After his stint with the Commanders, Gibson signed a three-year deal with the Patriots ahead of the 2024 NFL season. He played in all 17 games in his first year with the team, recording 120 carries for 538 yards and one touchdown. However, five games into 2025, Gibson suffered a torn ACL, ending his season as he was placed on the injured reserve.
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But on Monday, the Patriots decided it was time for a change, releasing Gibson after two years, leaving Maye without one of his top running back options. The move will leave New England with $1 million of dead cap, but will save it $3.14 million in cap space.
“The New England Patriots announced that they have released RB Antonio Gibson,” the Patriots wrote.
Gibson will now be looking to sign with his third NFL team when free agency officially opens on March 11.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
