The New England Patriots can forget about organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp now that the early offseason workouts are behind them. The Patriots must now focus on head coach Mike Vrabel's first training camp behind the bench, which will begin on July 19 for rookies before veterans join the mix three days later.
Although New England fans have a decent sense of who'll make the 53-man roster when all is said and done, things can change between now and the end of August. It wouldn't even be surprising if the Patriots trimmed some excess fat before training camp begins, and one name who could be shipped out of town is a fairly recent addition.
Patriots RB Antonio Gibson Still on Trade Block After OTAs
Several veteran Patriots are facing uncertain futures this summer, including running back Antonio Gibson. The 27-year-old runner signed a three-year, $11.25 million contract with New England last offseason; however, the Patriots drafting Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson 38th overall in April has left the rookie's veteran counterpart as a trade candidate following OTAs.
Gibson's first campaign with the Patriots did little to guarantee a long-term future with the team. The former Memphis Tiger recorded 538 rushing and 206 receiving yards between his 143 total touches, but his only scoring one touchdown while fumbling the ball twice left Pats fans feeling like Gibson's best days are likely behind him.
If the Patriots feel the same way and want to avoid a crowded backfield now that Henderson is in the mix, a trade could be explored. Rhamondre Stevenson is under contract through 2028, though, meaning Gibson is the odd man out of this equation, which is likely even truer after failing to create waves during the early offseason workouts.
According to Spotrac, trading the Stockbridge, GA native would create more cap space ($3.5 million) than a release would ($2.235 million). Even if his last season was far from mind-blowing, Gibson still has enough juice left in the tank to convince an RB-needy team to roll the dice on him, especially if it only costs a late draft pick.
Some players simply aren't good fits for certain teams, and that's the case between Gibson and the Patriots. A divorce would be mutually beneficial, so New England fans shouldn't be surprised if the veteran RB is shipped out of town before training camp even begins.