HEADLINES

Antonio Gibson

Patriots Rumors: Staff, Stevenson, Brissett, Baker

December 25th, 2024 at 8:53am CST by Ely Allen

It’s been a rough season for the Patriots in Year 1 of the Jerod Mayo-era. At 3-12, New England is staring a 3-14 season squarely in the face with remaining games against the Bills and Chargers. The struggles have come at every level of the game: the offense ranks 30th in points and 29th in yards; the defense hasn’t fared much better, ranking 24th in points allowed and 21st in yards allowed; and New England has turned in pedestrian numbers on special teams, as well.

When all phases of the game are points of weakness, and player development is becoming an issue, the finger tends to get pointed at the coaching staff. Mayo seemed to admit as much in a recent interview on WEEI’s “The Greg Hill Show,” on which he talked about a lot of “checklists…to go through” including “what players you want to keep around” and “what coaches you want to keep around.”

The obvious considerations that will need to be made are concerning offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, team owner Robert Kraft and his son, team president Jonathan Kraft, were seen in Week 15 seemingly criticizing the play-calling on offense. On defense, the Patriots have had few answers since losing linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley to a season-ending injury early in the year.

Another coach with obvious question marks is the son of the former head coach in New England, safeties coach Brian Belichick. Belichick’s father, Bill, has accepted the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina, and his brother, Steve, is planning to join him from the University of Washington. If Brian also leaves to join his father, that will open up one hole on the coaching staff.

Here are a few other rumors coming out of New England:

  • For the second time this season, it sounds like the Patriots will be considering benching starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson in favor of Antonio Gibson, per Kyed. Fumbles have become a big issue for Stevenson in his fourth year of NFL play. Over his first three seasons, Stevenson combined for seven fumbles with the team losing only three of them. This season alone, Stevenson has matched both numbers with three lost fumbles on seven total. Gibson has had plenty of issues with fumbles in the past, as well. In his four years in Washington, Gibson fumbled the ball 12 times with eight lost to the other team. In 2021 alone, he lost four fumbles on six total. This year, though, on 115 touches, Gibson has only fumbled twice with the Patriots recovering both of them. Gibson didn’t do much with his starting opportunities earlier in the season, but a message was surely sent to Stevenson about his ball-protection. With the season largely out of hand, it seems a message would be the purpose of this benching, as well.
  • The Patriots have seemingly already moved on from veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett in favor of rookie No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye. Luckily for the team, if New England wasn’t quite pleased with Brissett’s services as a backup or mentor to Maye, or at least is not eager to renew those services, they will have the opportunity to move on. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, when initially negotiating a contract with Brissett, the Patriots offered him a two-year deal. Brissett, reportedly, preferred a one-year contract, giving him the opportunity to see how the season played out. With Maye set as the starter for the foreseeable future, both sides will be able to explore other options as Brissett heads for free agency.
  • Rookie fourth-round receiver Javon Baker suffered a concussion in a car accident earlier in December, per Kyed. According to Mark Daniels of MassLive, Baker’s car was t-boned, and he ended up in the hospital. It was a scary incident for the 22-year-old, but he was cleared to practice and appeared in the team’s next game.

Patriots Demote RB Rhamondre Stevenson

October 6th, 2024 at 9:26am CST by Rory Parks

Patriots starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson has fumbled in each of the club’s first four games this season, and we recently heard that head coach Jerod Mayo was considering a demotion for his RB1 as a result. Shortly after Mayo made those comments, he followed through with the plan.

As Mike Reiss of ESPN.com details, Mayo will start Antonio Gibson over Stevenson in New England’s Week 5 contest against the Dolphins. The first-year HC discussed that decision on a recent appearance on the Patriots All-Access television program, saying, “[I had] a conversation with Rhamondre and he won’t be starting. I’ll be upfront and transparent. But he will play. And he understands he has to protect the football going forward.”

Earlier in the week, Mayo was more pointed with his comments. He said, “I’ve had multiple conversations with Rhamondre. But look, we can’t preach that ball security is job security and still have him out there the majority of the time.”

Stevenson, 26, signed a four-year, $36MM extension this offseason, a deal that placed him seventh in the league’s RB hierarchy in terms of average annual value. It also featured $17MM in guaranteed money and underscored the club’s faith in his ability to serve as a focal point of its offense as it transitions to the Drake Maye era. 

Coming into the 2024 season, Stevenson had fumbled the ball seven times in 499 carries; his four fumbles this year have come on 65 carries. That could obviously be a mere anomaly that will correct itself, and despite the demotion, Mayo’s comments suggest that Stevenson will still have a role in the offense and will have a chance to get himself right.

Stevenson has turned his 65 carries into 267 yards (good for a 4.1 YPC average) and two touchdowns. Gibson, who is in his first year in Foxborough after signing a three-year, $11.25MM deal in March, has been more efficient with his lesser workload, gaining 155 yards on 29 carries (5.3 YPC). He proved himself to be a capable receiver during the first four years of his career in Washington, and he has seven catches for 82 yards in 2024.

“I’m more disappointed in myself than anyone could ever be,” Stevenson said. “It’s very simple: I just have to hold on to the ball and have that mentality to come up with the ball every time. It’s my job to do that, and I haven’t been doing it well.”

Gibson is no stranger to fumble troubles of his own, and as Reiss writes in a separate piece, Gibson has expressed support for Stevenson and has encouraged him to stay off of social media.

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/28/24

July 28th, 2024 at 5:30pm CST by Ely Allen

Here are today’s minor moves to close out the weekend:

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Activated from active/NFI list: TE Erick All

Dallas Cowboys

Kansas City Chiefs

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Thuney has been working his way back from a pectoral injury. After suffering the strain in a Divisional Round win over the Bills, the injury held Thuney out of the team’s final two wins over the Ravens and 49ers. Having passed his physical, Thuney will return to practice in order to take the next steps on his way back to the field.

The Giants weren’t the only team to submit a waiver claim for Rourke as he continues to try and turn his success in the Canadian Football League into an NFL opportunity. Now, after being buried on the depth chart behind Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito, Rourke is able to look elsewhere for that chance at playing time in the NFL.

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/23/24

July 23rd, 2024 at 8:25pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

  • Signed: OT Julién Davenport

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

  • Reverted to IR: WR Jared Wayne
  • Released from IR: WR Jaxon Janke

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

New York Giants

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Patriots To Sign RB Antonio Gibson

March 11th, 2024 at 1:51pm CST by Sam Robinson

Antonio Gibson will be on the move when free agency begins. The dual-threat running back is set to join the Patriots, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The Patriots will not devote too much money to complementing Rhamondre Stevenson, but the team will still authorize a deal north of the veteran minimum. Gibson will sign a three-year, $11.25MM pact, the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed tweets.

The former Washington back will receive $5.3MM guaranteed, per Kyed, who indicates the contract can max out at $17MM. The Pats are guaranteeing $1.2MM of Gibson’s 2025 base salary ($2.35MM) at signing. This deal brings a bigger commitment than the Patriots gave Ezekiel Elliott last year, though Stevenson should still be expected to lead the way in his contract year.

Gibson, 25, has a history of operating as a supplementary option. The Memphis product, however, was not especially consistent in Washington. Gibson rushed for 1,037 yards in 2021, and he added 1,042 scrimmage yards as a rookie. The Commanders turned more to 2022 third-rounder Brian Robinson over the past two years, and Gibson will do fairly well on the contract front considering he only gained 265 rushing yards last season.

Eric Bieniemy‘s offense minimized Gibson, though last year’s 65-carry season also can be interpreted as a conservation effort through a long-term lens. While the Commanders are moving on, the Patriots will see if the former third-round pick can bounce back in what will still be a low-cost backfield. New OC Alex Van Pelt, after all, did spent four years in Cleveland, where a running back duo (Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt) played a major role.

Commanders Will Not Trade Jonathan Allen

October 29th, 2023 at 9:30pm CST by Rory Parks

The Commanders may be prepared to move at least one of their edge rushing duo of Montez Sweat and Chase Young, but another high-profile defender is not available. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, Washington will not be dealing DT Jonathan Allen, regardless of whether the club loses to the Eagles today and drops to 3-5.

According to Schefter, the Commanders received trade inquiries on Allen following their loss to the Giants last week. While these types of reports often suggest that a team will only move a player if it is “blown away” by an offer, Washington is reportedly unwilling to even discuss the two-time Pro Bowler.

Of course, Sweat and Young are in contract years, while Allen is under club control through 2025. And though Allen carries a salary cap charge that ranks in the top-10 among defensive players and will carry $20MM+ cap hits in each of the next two seasons, that is not terribly unreasonable for a high-end defensive tackle capable of pressuring opposing quarterbacks from the interior of the line.

Despite the fact that Pro Football Focus’ metrics have generally considered Allen to be an average defender against the run, PFF has awarded the Alabama product high marks for his pass-rushing acumen, which is supported by the 16.5 sacks and 47 QB hits he has compiled over the past two seasons. His durability — he has played in at least 15 games every season since 2018 — further enhances his value.

Allen is clearly viewed as a long-term cornerstone, but in addition to Sweat and Young, other platform-year players like QB Jacoby Brissett, RB Antonio Gibson, WR Curtis Samuel, and CB Kendall Fuller are all possible trade candidates, according to Schefter (the ESPN scribe also named LB Cody Barton as a player that could be on the move, but Barton was placed on IR yesterday).

Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com confirm that other clubs have inquired on Fuller, who had two pick-sixes last year and who has added two more interceptions and six passes defensed through seven games in 2023. Among qualified players, PFF presently considers Fuller the fourth-best corner this season and is especially bullish on his coverage ability.

Latest On Commanders Extension Talks, Front Office Moves

August 19th, 2023 at 9:29am CST by Ben Levine

The Commanders have a number of players heading into contract years, including Montez Sweat and Chase Young. We previously heard that the team’s talks with Sweat were on hold following Josh Harris‘ purchase of the team, but Ron Rivera hinted that extension talks with impending free agents could soon resume.

[RELATED: Commanders’ Montez Sweat Extension Plans On Hold]

Speaking to reporters (including ESPN’s John Keim), the Commanders head coach revealed that the coaching staff and front office continues to prepare for negotiations as ownership settles.

“There’s a lot to do,” Rivera said. “To assume anything will happen immediately is unfair; they are still learning and understanding us. We’re still talking with them and trying to get things lined up and in order.”

While the two pass rushers are the most notable players with expiring contracts, the Commanders have other extension-worthy players. This grouping includes running back Antonio Gibson, cornerback Kendall Fuller, and wide receiver Curtis Samuel.

Among the team’s impending free agents, Sweat seems like the most likely to re-sign. Keim previously noted that the Commanders would like to extend the edge rusher. Young’s future with the team is in question after the organization declined the former second-overall pick’s fifth-year option. The Commanders will presumably let Young play out the 2023 campaign before deciding how to proceed.

While the team may be taking their time with player extensions, the Commanders have been busy adding to their front office. With Harris officially taking over the organization, the owner has made his first splash, hiring Craig Fischer as CFO (per Nicki Jhabvala and Mark Maske of the Washington Post). Meanwhile, former Atlanta Hawks COO/MetLife Stadium visionary Thad Sheely has been brought on as a consultant, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports (via Twitter). Jhabvala adds (on Twitter) that Sheely has been brought in to advise “on real estate and stadium matters.”

Commanders’ Antonio Gibson Eyeing Increased Role

July 14th, 2023 at 12:43pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2023 season will be the first with Eric Bieniemy at the helm of the Commanders’ offense, and changes in roles and workloads for a number of players should be expected as a result. Antonio Gibson could be a beneficiary in that regard, and he is hopeful to see more work as a pass-catcher this year.

The 25-year-old played as a receiver in college, but he was widely expected to operate as a running back upon his arrival in the NFL. Gibson has showcased his two-way skillet to date with the Commanders, especially last season when he was supplanted by Brian Robinson as the lead back. A continuation of that setup could allow him to return to a more familiar offensive role.

“Hopefully, this year, it comes around to where I can showcase on multiple occasions what I can do out there,” Gibson said during a team interview (video link). “I love being out there. I have fun out there, and once I get the ball in open space, I’m really that guy.”

The Memphis product had a down year in terms of total production from scrimmage, but his receiving yardage (353) was the highest of his career. That helped earn him the continued support of head coach Ron Rivera, and solidify his role as a contributor both on offense and special teams (as a kick returner) heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Production on the ground and in the air could boost Gibson’s free agent value considerably.

Washington has Robinson on the books for three more seasons, and the team added Chris Rodriguez Jr. in this year’s draft. Free agent signing Jonathan Williams and former UDFA Jaret Patterson are also available as depth options in the backfield, but Gibson should shoulder much of the pass-catching duties vacated by J.D. McKissic. He will also look to compete for targets against a WR room led by Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown.

Bieniemy has a background in Kansas City of using offensive skill players in creative ways, so it will be interesting to see how Gibson’s workload takes shape during training camp. His performance during the summer will go a long way in determining how he is deployed ahead of an important season for both player and team.

Commanders Rumors: Gibson, Rivera, Quon

May 20th, 2023 at 5:43pm CST by Ely Allen

The Commanders running backs room has some exciting depth with a fully healthy Brian Robinson entering his sophomore season and sixth-round pick out of Kentucky Christopher Rodriguez coming in as the new rookie in the position room. While Robinson and Rodriguez elicit some excitement in the nation’s capital, head coach Ron Rivera is still excited about what fourth-year back Antonio Gibson brings to the room.

Gibson seems to often be forgotten despite a string of strong performances to open his career. As a rookie, Gibson shouldered the lead-back duties en route to 1,042 scrimmage yards (795 rushing, 247 receiving) and 11 rushing touchdowns. In his sophomore season, he showed improvement with 1,331 scrimmage yards (1,037 rushing, 294 receiving) and 10 total touchdowns (seven rushing, three receiving). Last season, Gibson gracefully took a back seat, allowing Robinson to come into the lead-back role after recovering from his gunshot wound.

Gibson started the first five contests of the season until Robinson was ready to take the reins. Even after allowing Robinson to start taking more and more carries, Gibson stayed ready, rushing for double-digit carries when asked and continuing to perform as the team’s best receiving back. He was, in fact, one of the league’s best receiving backs, finishing below only 49ers star Christian McCaffrey in receiving rating for running backs, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Not only that, but Gibson even took on additional duties, returning kicks for the team from Week 6 on.

Gibson should continue in a third-down/passing-down role and should continue to contribute strongly off the bench. The coaches are still excited about what he can do, and Gibson should be motivated to continue making the most of his opportunities with free agency looming on the horizon of the season.

Here are a few more rumors coming out of Washington, D.C.:

  • Lost in all the recent conversations of a potential ownership change in Washington is its impact on other team leaders. Rivera has experienced a change of regimes before in Carolina, when the franchise changed hands from Jerry Richardson to David Tepper. Rivera told Matthew Paras of The Washington Times that, while Richardson was a bit more hands-off, Tepper required “constant feedback and attention to things.” Tepper’s need for involvement was not something for which Rivera had been prepared, but now, having had that experience, Rivera feels he knows what it will take to “mesh” with the team’s future ownership. “I’ve got to be very specific and very clear cut with what our vision is going forward,” Rivera told Paras. “And it has to mesh…When that opportunity comes, when I sit down (with new ownership) and go through the explanation, I’m going to be very concise.”
  • The Commanders made an addition to their training staff this month, rehiring assistant athletic trainer Doug Quon to his previous role, according to Nicki Jhabvala and Mark Maske of The Washington Post. Quon was placed on administrative leave a bit over 18 months ago during an investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration into head athletic trainer Ryan Vermillion. Quon was placed on leave shortly after Vermillion, but Quon was never charged and was never officially tied to the activities that got Vermillion suspended from working with any NFL team indefinitely. After being approved by both the NFL and the NFL Players Association, Quon officially rejoined the Commanders at rookie minicamps earlier this month.

Commanders Looking To Add Running Back

April 3rd, 2023 at 12:50pm CST by Sam Robinson

A desire to for an even more run-oriented offense served as one of the disagreements between Ron Rivera and since-ousted OC Scott Turner last season. The Commanders ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing attempts in 2022 and stood down in free agency, despite many starter-caliber backs being available at low rates.

Rivera still wants to add another piece at the position, John Keim of ESPN.com tweets. Washington released J.D. McKissic, who had backtracked on a Buffalo commitment in 2022 to re-sign with the team, last month to clear some cap space. And Rivera indicated Antonio Gibson, who saw Brian Robinson move into his role as the team’s lead running back, can step into the McKissic role.

Still, the Commanders can be expected to bring in another notable player at this spot. The team’s potential sale has held up some offseason matters, including signing bonus finality, but a running back addition would likely not qualify as a major financial investment. This year brought a deep class of backs in free agency, but most have found homes — many doing so on low-cost deals. Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette remain unattached, however.

Washington has used Round 3 to add each of its current backfield mainstays, taking Gibson in 2020 and Robinson in 2022. Gibson is going into a contract year. Former UDFA Jaret Patterson and veteran Jonathan Williams, signed off the Giants’ practice squad in December 2021, round out the Commanders’ backfield crew. These two can expect more competition for a roster spot to arrive soon.

Washington ranked 12th in rushing but just 28th in yards per carry last season. Robinson and Gibson each averaged under four yards per tote, but Robinson’s return from August gunshot wounds coincided with the team’s resurgence. Gibson also caught 46 passes, helping the aerial cause after McKissic was lost for the season after eight games; Robinson did not factor into the team’s passing game much as a rookie.

Bijan Robinson (Texas) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) reside as this draft class’ top two backs, though it is viewed as a deep crop. Zach Charbonnet (UCLA), Devon Achane (Texas A&M) and Senior Bowl standout Tyjae Spears (Tulane) represent the top contingent of backs expected to be in consideration for Day 2 selections.

Load More Posts