The latest chatter about the Patriots' interest heading into the draft suggests they are looking into adding another running back to their offense. Despite selecting TreVeyon Henderson in the second round last year, there's a chance Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf will become intrigued with adding even more firepower in the backfield, particularly with rumors surrounding Rhamondre Stevenson's future in Foxboro.
Although they trust and believe in the five-year veteran, the new regime has made it clear that they want to build the roster through the draft, and Stevenson is not a player they chose. That might explain why they've already met with running back prospects and are reportedly interested in a few.
It's certainly possible they'll add another running back to the roster through the draft, but there's also a chance they strongly consider reuniting with a player they released heading into free agency, particularly due to their significant hole on special teams.
That could force New England into reaching out to Antonio Gibson, who looked well on his way to becoming an integral part of their special teams unit last season before he tore his ACL. Maybe they don't love him in the backfield as an RB3, but he could be a viable returner to keep the third unit afloat.
An Antonio Gibson reunion shouldn't be considered off the table for the Patriots
Regardless of whether the Patriots draft another running back this year, it seems more than fair to suggest re-signing Gibson to be a full-time returner, if he's willing to go back to Foxboro, of course.
Instead of continuing to send out different players each week to fill the role, it would be wise for the team to identify and use a player as a returner for the upcoming season. It's too inconsistent and risky to keep throwing in running backs and wide receivers each week; it would be far wiser to have a designated returner instead.
That could be Gibson, especially if other teams don't appear all that interested in signing him as a full-time running back. He's certainly still capable of doing that, but if he remains unsigned, the Patriots have plenty of reasons to at least inquire about his interest in a reunion.
It might not be the most pressing need in the eyes of many fans or analysts, but we can say with certainty that finding the right players for the third unit is crucial to the team's overall success, and the Patriots are known for doing that.
They cannot continue to avoid finding a specified returner for another season, so Gibson's success in that role becomes even more desirable the longer they don't find his replacement.