For the past two seasons, Rhamondre Stevenson has served as the Patriots’ lead running back. That is set to continue in 2024, and it could remain the case beyond that point. 
When speaking to the media on Monday, Stevenson said (via Mike Giardi of the Boston Sports Journal) he “feels like” an extension is coming soon. While that falls short of confirmation positive talks on that front have taken place, it is nevertheless an indication team and player have a mutual desire to hammer out a deal. One year remains on Stevenson’s rookie contract.
The former fourth-rounder had an encouraging rookie season with 729 scrimmage yards and five rushing touchdowns. He followed that up in 2022 with career highs in carries (210), yards (1,040) and efficiency (5.0 yards per attempt). Last offseason saw the arrival of Ezekiel Elliott as an experienced backup option.
Stevenson suffered a high ankle sprain which led to a season-ending IR stint at the end of the campaign, one in which little (if anything) went according to plan on offense for New England. Elliott has reunited with the Cowboys though, paving the way for Stevenson to once again serve as lead back. The addition of Antonio Gibson in free agency will give New England a new pass-catching option, but Stevenson can be expected to log a notable workload in 2024.
The Oklahoma product is due $3.12MM this campaign, but a long-term deal would carry a higher value than that. The running back position has not taken off like others in recent years, though the 2024 offseason saw teams move quickly in signing the many veterans on the market. General manager Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo represent a different regime than the one which drafted Stevenson, but they could be positioned to make him part of the Patriots’ core beyond 2024.
New England has quarterback Drake Maye attached to his rookie contract for years to come, and none of the team’s offensive skill position players are on a deal carrying an AAV above $9MM. Plenty of funds will therefore be available if the Patriots do indeed proceed with a Stevenson extension.
Stevenson seems like a solid team player despite getting very little support in NE. It would be interesting to see what he could actually accomplish on a playoff caliber team.