With the running back position becoming so devalued, we may see several players try and go another route for the remainder of their careers.
Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson is aiming to end his time at running back and line up out wide more under first-year offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
During an interview with in-house Commanders analysts London Fletcher and Fred Smoot, Gibson said the idea of him expanding his role has been discussed in the past, “but it hasn’t happened.”
“Hopefully, this year, it comes around to where I get to showcase on multiple occasions what I can do out there,” he said (via NFL.com’s Kevin Patra). “First, I love being out there. I have fun out there, and once I get the ball in open space, I’m really that guy. At running back, I’m not going to say it’s not (possible), because I’ve seen a lot of guys do it, but those opportunities are not there. Once you catch the ball in that open field, you got so much more space.”
Coming out of Memphis in the 2020 draft, Gibson was considered a dual-threat running back, but his career has not panned out that way as of yet. Although he’s totaled 2,300 career rushing yards, he has just 894 receiving yards in three seasons so far.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy just might be the change that he needs to tap into his true potential.
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Antonio Gibson rushed for over 1,000 yards in the 2021 season. Last season he had to give way to rookie Brian Robinson Jr., who became the leading ball carrier.
Gibson’s carries were reduced to 149 and he rushed for 546 yards.
Gibson is a free agent after this season, so a great showing from both positions could land him a huge deal.
