The New England Patriots have locked up one of their best offensive players for the future.
According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, New England has agreed to terms on a four-year extension worth $36 million with starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
The former fourth-round draft pick out of Oklahoma in 2021 was entering the final year of his rookie deal with the team.
Just in: The #Patriots and RB Rhamondre Stevenson have agreed to a 4-year, $36 extension, per @AdamSchefter. Former 4th-round pick has totaled 3,047 total yards and 15 TDs in three seasons with New England. He was entering the final year of his contract. pic.twitter.com/TwBRbNxtaX
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 20, 2024
This was a move that the team needed to make, as Stevenson has quietly been one of the bright spots of this team over the last few years.
After recording just over 600 rushing yards as a rookie in 2021, he exploded for over 1,000 rushing yards in 2022.
That year, he recorded 1,461 scrimmage yards.
After only playing 12 games last year, he recorded 857 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns.
But the Pats have seen everything that they needed to see.
In order to be a quality offensive team in the NFL, you need to have a really solid starting running back, and at his best, Stevenson can be a top-half-of-the-league rusher.
Moving into the future with rookie quarterback Drake Maye, Stevenson will be relied upon heavily.
In fact, he will continue to be counted on as the team moves further and further into the Jerod Mayo era, which is starting this year.
Behind Stevenson on the depth chart is a quality No. 2 running back in Antonio Gibson.
To start his career, Gibson recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard scrimmage seasons in Washington (2020-2021).
The Pats may have the opportunity to have a really good season on the ground because of what Stevenson and Gibson can do.
