Although many of the top players in free agency have already been signed, the New England Patriots continue to make moves. On Wednesday, they signed former Tennessee Titans linebacker Jack Gibbens to a one-year deal. The full terms of the contract haven’t been revealed, but we can already consider what this addition means for the team on a larger scale.
Potential Replacement for Christian Elliss?
Gibbens’ signing wasn’t the only linebacker move on Wednesday. Christian Elliss, who had originally been tendered by the Patriots at the original/undrafted level, signed a restricted free agent offer sheet with the Las Vegas Raiders. New England has until Monday to either match the offer or let Elliss go.
So, how does Gibbens fit into this? Initially, he seems like a potential replacement if the Patriots decide not to keep Elliss. However, their playing styles differ. While Elliss is better suited as a coverage linebacker, Gibbens is more of an early-down presence. In 2023, under coach Mike Vrabel, Gibbens played 316 snaps against the run, 290 in coverage, and 22 rushing the passer. These numbers reflect his strengths—he’s more comfortable attacking downhill than dropping back into coverage, although he did make progress in that area during his three-year career. If the Patriots are confident in his development, Gibbens could be the player to replace Elliss. We’ll know more by Monday.
More Linebacker Movement
With Gibbens joining, the Patriots now have eight off-the-ball linebackers under contract for the 2025 season, according to the team’s regularly updated depth chart. This includes Elliss, whose future with the team is uncertain as the Raiders pursue him. The linebacker depth chart is as follows:
- Linebackers (8): Robert Spillane (14), Ja’Whaun Bentley (8), Jack Gibbens (–), Jahlani Tavai (48), Christian Elliss (53), Curtis Jacobs (52), Monty Rice (45), Andrew Parker Jr. (47)
The exact linebacker rotation is still unclear. However, Robert Spillane, who joined on a three-year, $33 million deal, is expected to start, with Gibbens primarily taking a rotational role. Gibbens offers strong two-down potential but could eventually develop into a three-down player.
Beyond Elliss’ situation, there are questions about the future of the previous starting duo, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai. Both are larger linebackers who might not fit the vision that Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams have for their defense. While they remain on the roster, they are players to keep an eye on moving forward.
Special Teams Contribution
While Gibbens will likely have a defensive role, it’s clear that his special teams experience was also a factor in his signing. Throughout his three years in the NFL, he has played 466 special teams snaps across five units: kickoff return (142), punt coverage (116), field goal/extra point block (72), punt return (71), and kickoff coverage (65), recording seven tackles. This makes him another viable option for special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer to consider.
Familiarity with the Patriots’ Culture
Gibbens is yet another example of the Patriots’ focus on acquiring players who fit their culture and have prior connections with the coaching staff. He joins the team after spending two years under Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. This trend is also seen with fellow defender Harold Landry, who signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with the Patriots earlier this offseason. Many other free agents signed by the Patriots also have connections to the team’s coaching staff.
While it’s common for teams to sign players with whom they have a previous relationship, New England’s emphasis on familiarity stands out. This shift marks a change from the previous regime under former head coach Jerod Mayo, whose network within the league was smaller compared to Vrabel’s.
