NFL Trade Rumors: New England Patriots Nearing Extension With Running Back Rhamondre Stevenson

The New England Patriots are working to lock up one of the NFL's most versatile backs. Speaking with the media at the Patriots' minicamp on Monday, running back Rhamondre Stevenson revealed that he and the Patriots are "pretty close" to inking an extension.

Rhamondre Stevenson said he feels like an extension with the Patriots is “pretty close.” pic.twitter.com/tN3mekrbWg
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) June 10, 2024

Stevenson joined the Patriots as the 120th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. At 6'1" and 231 lbs, Stevenson is the rare big-bodied, punishing inside runner who is equally adept as a pass catcher: his 69 receptions in 2022 even led the team.

Stevenson is coming off a down 2023 in which he missed five games and posted career lows in yards per carry (4.0) and yards per target (4.7), so the fact that the Patriots are negotiating at all with him is somewhat of a surprise. Given that he's only 26 years old and possesses such an unusual combination of skills, the Patriots may believe his best days are ahead of him.

If that's the case, the Patriots are likely trying to land Stevenson at a bargain rate. The gold standard at the position is San Francisco 49ers running back and 2023 Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey; he signed a two-year, $38 million extension earlier this offseason. No running back will approach that number for some time.

As a role player with a history of injury, the best Stevenson can hope for is a deal in the $4-8 million per year range. The recent contracts signed by Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (two years, $8.43 million) and Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (three years, $24 million) are probably fair comparisons.