Grading every new signing Patriots made during free agency
Grading every new signing Patriots made during free agency
RB Antonio Gibson: (3-years, $11.3 million)
The Patriots have been looking for a suitable partner for Rhamondre Stevenson out of the backfield since the running back's second season. He earned the starting role over Damien Harris, and since then, he has not turned back and has actually only gotten better.
The Ezekiel Elliott experiment for the 2023 season seemed good on paper, and if the offense had been more cohesive, it likely would have brought more success. The duo have a similar play style, especially as viable weapons in the passing game. However, working together just didn't jive, whether that was a coaching mistake or a combination of all the issues facing the offense last year.
Now that the former Cowboy has moved on in free agency, the Patriots signed Antonio Gibson, who spent the first four years of his career with the Washington Commanders.
The 25-year-old is a proven dual-threat running back. He has recorded 1,283 receiving yards and seven touchdowns during his career so far. On the ground, he has totaled 642 carries for 2,643 yards and 22 touchdowns.
The pairing of him and Stevenson will be a sight to see, and potentially, it will be the best RB duo the team has had in a few years. Gibson has a lot of potential left to unlock and has already vowed to do whatever the team asks and shared his excitement to be in New England. So, a good attitude goes a long way.
Our grade: B
QB Jacoby Brissett: (1 year, $8 million)
Once it became apparent the Patriots were not going to retain Mac Jones for another season, their interest in free-agent quarterbacks became the focus of the offseason. A handful of intriguing veterans were looking for new teams, with the most interest seeming to surround Jacoby Brissett, Joe Flacco, and Baker Mayfield.
Because of new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt's connection to the former Browns' quarterbacks, there was a belief he could maybe swing Flacco as a veteran bridge player or Mayfield for a more long-term option, especially after his impressive season with the Bucs in 2023.
Neither ended up in New England, so Brissett made his triumphant return to the team that drafted him instead.
Since the Patriots held the third overall selection in the draft, Brissett was brought in to be the quarterback until the rookie is ready, whether at some point this season or next year. His return to the Patriots wasn't met with much excitement, but the best statistical year of his career was the year spent in Cleveland with Van Pelt calling the plays, so the hope is they can bring that success to Foxboro in 2024.
Brissett might not be the flashiest of options or the quarterback of the future, but he's a solid interim player who can provide stability to the offense and outstanding mentorship to the incoming rookie. Plus, he's known to be a great locker room addition, and that's very much valued in New England.