Since the start of free agency last week, the Patriots have been relatively quiet in adding more players to their needy roster. They made a big splash with a handful of quality defenders joining the team, most notably Milton Williams and Carlton Davis, but haven't added any others until now.
It was reported on Wednesday morning that linebacker Jack Gibbens, who most recently played for the Titans, was visiting New England and could receive a contract from his former head coach. It didn't take long for that to happen, so GIbbens' agent has now shared that he received a one-year deal to play for the Patriots.
Patriots have signed LB Jack Gibbens to a 1-year deal, per his agent @JLSports3
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) March 19, 2025
Once he was made a free agent last week, speculation began to suggest he would likely be on his way to Foxboro like his Titans teammate Harold Landry, who was one of the first players the team signed for the 2025 season.
Now, he will work with his former head coach again, and his signing also risks the futures of some tenured Patriots.
Patriots signing Jack Gibbens adds more depth to the linebacker roster
During his three years in Tennessee, Gibbens served as a role player for the defense and saw his most productive season in 2023, Vrabel's last year with the Titans. He recorded 95 combined tackles, three for a loss, two quarterback hits, three passes defended, and one sack.
His 2024 season wasn't as productive, which makes the Patriots' decision to sign him a bit more questionable. However, he does provide solid depth at what had been a vulnerable position, especially after Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a season-ending injury last year, and Joshua Uche's mid-season trade created more instability on the defensive line.
The good thing is that Gibbens is impressive as a run defender and above average as a pass rusher, neither of which have been strong suits for the Patriots' defense in recent years. So even if he isn't a starter and rotates in, at least we know he can hold his own.
His signing does, however, shine a spotlight on Bentley and Jahlani Tavai's futures in New England. Neither is necessarily the type of linebacker that Vrabel is known for loving, so bringing in another player he previously coached might put those two in the hot seat even more.