It is fair to say there are very few offseason decisions that the New England Patriots regret as the franchise sits atop the AFC playoff picture. Every button the Patriots pushed has seemingly worked with one notable exception. New England's decision to retain Rhamondre Stevenson under a new coaching regime was always a bit of a gamble. The back led all non-quarterbacks in the 2024 season with seven fumbles on the year. It wasn't just issues protecting the football, but signs that made it clear Stevenson was entering a decline.
Now, the Patriots are stuck with a veteran back who has fumbled three times this season while only averaging 3.2 yards per carry. Just when it seemed that things couldn't get any worse for Stevenson and the Pats, the production has further declined as the franchise has moved in another direction. All of this makes it clear that New England should've sought out a trade or any possible way to escape a portion of what is a very regrettable contract.
In what feels like a fresh and exciting new beginning for the league's premier franchise, Stevenson is a reminder of recent failures. Nothing about the running back's game fits in with Drake Maye or an exciting young offense. New England should've cut their losses earlier and been willing to do whatever it took to part ways with Stevenson.
Patriots Have Clear Offseason Regret Not Parting Ways with Rhamondre Stevenson
Making matters worse is the fact that you're still on the hook for three more seasons of the former playmaker. Stevenson's contract isn't set to expire until the 2029 offseason, showing just how frustrating the situation has become. While there was a slim trade possibility months ago, the hope was always that a team would take on a portion or all of the deal, viewing Stevenson as a potential reclamation project.
Now, there is zero trade value, and the next time the Patriots have a chance to part ways with the limited back will be during the 2027 offseason, when swallowing the final two years of the deal becomes a bit more justifiable.
For Stevenson, it is a great opportunity to simply ride out a contract that isn't deserved on one of the league's best teams. This is no fault of the player, but on the shoulders of a front office that should've found a way to escape the deal before starting the 2025 campaign.
It is fun to imagine what the offense might look like with another productive veteran in Stevenson's current role. There is no question that it would be a far more exciting and cohesive offense without the plodding back. A limited rusher, who also struggles holding onto the football, is obviously less than ideal.
Still, it is hard to beat up on the decision too much when you consider just how much the Patriots got right. The perfect coaching decisions, offensive line rebuild, and retooling the receiver room all resulted in a season that has Pats fans once again expecting a confetti ending to what has been an incredibly fun season.