The Patriots have been busy with contract extensions lately, and running back Rhamondre Stevenson might be the next in line. After some less-than-stellar drafts, New England found key players like Kyle Dugger, Christian Barmore, and Michael Onwenu, securing them for the long term. With those deals settled, the focus could shift to Stevenson.
Drafted in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Stevenson is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Although injuries and offensive line struggles limited his production to 619 yards on 156 attempts last season, he showcased his potential in 2022. Taking over the starting role from Damien Harris, the Oklahoma native rushed for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns on 210 attempts, standing out in an otherwise struggling offense.
Stevenson has recently expressed interest in a contract extension, emphasizing his desire to remain with the Patriots for the long haul.
Stevenson expressed his affection for Boston and the Patriots, stating, “I love the organization.” He conveyed his desire to remain with the team for many years, saying, “Yeah, I’d love to be here for countless amount of years.” Regarding contract talks, he mentioned, “Draft just ended, so I think those talks may or may not ramp up.”
Rhamondre Stevenson suggests that discussions about his contract “may or may not ramp up.”
Rhamondre Stevenson is keen on securing a new contract with the Patriots, and the team seems receptive to the idea. Stevenson has proven to be a dependable starter for New England, and the Patriots have ample salary cap space, even after extending Christian Barmore. With no clear successor on the roster, a contract extension appears beneficial for both parties.
However, despite these factors, the Patriots may still opt not to offer Rhamondre Stevenson a new contract. Running backs often experience a decline in performance during their second contract due to the physical demands of the position. Consequently, New England might prefer to allocate resources towards other positions such as wide receiver, left tackle, or bolstering the defense. In such a scenario, there are five potential teams that could express interest in Stevenson.
