The Bill Belichick-led Patriots organization historically did not prioritize the running back position. Several key players from New England found success elsewhere during Belichick’s tenure as coach and GM. As the team transitions to leadership under Eliot Wolf, it seems they are now considering extending their starting RB.
Rhamondre Stevenson has hinted at a potential contract extension, and discussions between Stevenson and the Patriots are progressing, according to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe (subscription required). While an extension may be on the horizon, Stevenson is currently in the final year of his contract.
During the era of Tom Brady, the Patriots did value pass-catching RBs, forming lasting relationships with Kevin Faulk and James White. However, players like Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen did not stay with the team. Notable departures also included Stevan Ridley, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, and Damien Harris, with Stevenson emerging as a prominent figure before Harris left. While LeGarrette Blount left and returned on a cheaper deal, Corey Dillon received an extension early in Belichick’s tenure.
Since Dillon’s extension in 2005, the landscape for NFL running backs has shifted significantly. Recent contracts, like Christian McCaffrey‘s record-setting deal, have raised the bar for RB salaries. While players like Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley have secured lucrative deals, Stevenson’s performance has not yet reached that level. As negotiations progress, it will be interesting to see what numbers emerge for Stevenson’s potential extension.
Comparing Stevenson’s situation to contracts given to players like D’Andre Swift and Tony Pollard could provide insight into the Patriots’ negotiations. Swift signed a three-year, $24MM contract with the Bears, while Pollard’s deal with the Titans is worth three years and $21.75MM. Considering Stevenson’s performance and potential, his second contract is likely to exceed these figures.
Despite being older than his peers, Stevenson has shown promise on the field. In 2022, he impressed with 1,461 scrimmage yards, ranking highly in Next Gen Stats’ metrics. While injuries limited his playing time last season, Stevenson’s potential places him in a similar range to players like David Montgomery and Miles Sanders, likely commanding an average annual value around $6MM in a new contract.
The Patriots recently signed pass-catching back Antonio Gibson to a three-year, $11.25MM deal, setting a benchmark for Stevenson’s potential extension. With Wolf emphasizing retaining key players, Stevenson has a good chance of staying in New England beyond 2024. However, negotiations are ongoing, and the final terms remain to be seen.