The New England Patriots re-signed their all-purpose running back long-term, extending Rhamondre Stevenson on a four-year deal worth $36 million.
The former fourth-round pick in 2021 gets $17 million in guarantees with his new contract, as he was slated to be a free agent in 2025. Stevenson now tops Joe Mixon and D’Andre Swift in total guarantees at the position, ranked in the top seven.
The Patriots running back should get the bulk of the work in the backfield under a new offensive scheme with new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Stevenson is looking to repeat or surpass his 2022 season in 2024.
Former Fourth-Round Pick Rhamondre Stevenson Extended
According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots got the deal done today, June 20th, after a mandatory minicamp last week as Rhamondre Stevenson will stay in New England. He will now be on this new deal till he is 30-years-old at least in 2028, according to Spotrac.
Stevenson’s guarantees are ahead of Mixon’s and Swift’s, being around the same age for the running back position, according to Spotrac. It was announced by Rapoport that the new contract has a maximum value of $48 million with incentives. Those incentives include $12 million available if Stevenson is a Pro Bowler or All-Pro and rushing for at least 1,400 yards.
Rhamondre Stevenson Bounce Back After Injury-Riddled 2023
The Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is coming off an injury-plagued 2023 but had 857 total yards and four touchdowns. The New England running back is entering his fourth season in 2024, as he dealt with a high ankle sprain that ultimately ended his 2023 year short and affected him on the field. His rookie 2021 year was similar but he wasn’t a full-time starter.
2022 was his breakout year, rushing for 1,040 yards on 210 carries, 69 receptions, 421 receiving yards, and a combined six touchdowns. The young star back was a threat on the ground and through the air as a pass catcher for the Patriots. In 2024, Stevenson will be the focal point for the New England offense, even if he splits time with free agent Antonio Gibson.
Rhamondre Stevenson Focal Point of New Offense
New England needed this deal to get done close to the minicamp to ensure their featured weapon Rhamondre Stevenson would be there for training camp. This comes a week after New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara left the mandatory minicamp session early due to contract negotiations stalling.
While the former running back from Oklahoma is not close to that caliber yet, the 26-year-old budding star has shown flashes of three-down ability as a pass catcher and power rusher up the middle with his size. Rhamondre Stevenson could get his chance this upcoming year as the lead back with a rookie quarterback Drake Maye.