3 Patriots Who Could Be Extended Next After Kyle Dugger
New England Patriots fans received some terrific news on Sunday. The Patriots announced that they have signed standout safety Kyler Dugger to a four-year, $58 million contract that will keep him on the roster through the 2027 season, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
The #Patriots have spent most of their offseason locking in their key, homegrown players. Now, another one — as Kyle Dugger gets a 4-year, $58M deal right at $14.5M per year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 7, 2024
Instead of the transition tag, he gets the long-term deal he wants.
Now that Dugger is extended, it's only natural that Patriots fans are wondering who's next. New England hasn't been a shining example of recent success, but that doesn't change how certain players are more than deserving to stick around for the franchise's next era.
Here's a look at three Patriots who could be extended following Dugger's contract news.
1. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB
If the Patriots want to secure the future of their backfield, they must consider extending Rhamondre Stevenson.
Stevenson has been great ever since the Patriots drafted him 120th overall in 2021. While injuries have provided the occasional obstacle, the ex-Oklahoma running back has still amassed 2,265 rushing yards on 499 carries, 782 receiving yards on 121 catches, and a total of 15 touchdowns over the last three seasons.
And even though 2023 was a down year, he still owns an impressive career average of 4.5 yards per carry.
An ankle injury did prematurely end Stevenson's 2023 campaign, but not even that should jeopardize an extension. It was reported in February that the Las Vegas native is "close to full strength" and that he's "feeling great" about his recovery. I just don't see his ankle being an issue in 2024.
RBs have a short shelf life in the NFL, but that doesn't mean New England shouldn't extend Stevenson. He's proven to be effective at both rushing and catching the ball, making him someone that can be used in various situations. He's also only 26 years old, meaning he likely still has a few more prime years ahead of him before the wheels fall off.