The Patriots are making progress on expanding their offensive weapon

The Patriots operation run by Bill Belichick has not placed considerable value on the running back position. A few New England regulars received their salaries elsewhere during the legendary coach/general manager's stay. As the the team moves to a The front office led by Eliot Wolf, it appears they are at least seriously considering extending their starting RB.

Rhamondre Stevenson confirmed this, indicating that he considers an extension close and, even if the deal isn't done, Jeff Howe of The Athletic notes that the teams are making progress (subscription required). Although an extension could be on the horizon, the 2021 fourth-round pick remains in a contract year.

New England prioritized the pass catcher position during Tom Brady's tenure, forging long-term partnerships with Kevin Faulk and James White. However, the team did not retain Danny Woodhead or Shane Vereen between. Steve Ridley also left New England after his rookie contract. Same as BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Damien Harris, but Stevenson had effectively usurped the latter by the time his rookie contract expired. LeGarrette Blount left for Pittsburgh but returned with a low-cost deal. Corey Dillon provided an exception, being extended (five years, $17.5 million) early in Belichick's tenure.

The NFL RB landscape has changed significantly since that Dillon deal (2005). Christian McCaffrey's recent extension (two years, $38 million) surpassed his own position record, which had stood since April 2020. Most teams that signed an expensive RB starting in 2023 either moved on from that player or accepted a salary reduction. The last few months have given some hope to impact guards, like Jonathan Taylor. and Saquon Barkley earning over $26 million guaranteed in total. Stevenson, however, did not perform at that level. This will make the extension numbers – if they actually appear – interesting to view.

Excluding All-Pro level guards and the multitude of veterans who signed one-year deals this offseason, the contracts awarded to D'Andre Swift and Tony Pollard could prove relevant to the Patriots-Stevenson negotiations. The Bears gave Swift a three-year, $24 million contract, with $14 million guaranteed in full. The Titans' Pollard deal is less player-friendly, covering three years and $21.75 million and guaranteeing the Cowboys over five years $10.49 million at signing.

Although he arrived in the NFL a year later, Stevenson (26) is a year older than Swift. He showed great promise during a poor Patriots offense in 2022 by totaling 1,461 yards from scrimmage. He ranked ninth in Next Gen Stats' rushing yards compared to expected metrics this season. Being invited to play alongside Ezekiel Elliott Last year, Stevenson took a step back (857 yards from scrimmage) and missed the final five games of the season with a severe ankle sprain. Considering Stevenson's CV, The David Montgomery-Miles Sanders territory (in the $6 million AAV range) could apply as the Patriots consider a compromise on a second contract.

The Pats added pass catcher Antonio Gibson on a three-year, $11.25 million deal, with $5.3 million guaranteed up front. Stevenson's second contract will be above that spot, but it's worth wondering how much higher this new Pats regime will go for year four. Wolf has made it a point to reward internal players this offseason, re-signing players like Michael Onwenu, Kyle Dugger, Josh Uche and Kendrick Bourne. It appears Stevenson will have the chance to stay in Foxborough beyond 2024, but there is still work to be done.