Latest Pats Extension Makes Key Piece One of the Highest-Paid at His Position
By Ryan Bunton
The Patriots have locked up yet another one of their key contributors, this time agreeing to a four-year, $36 million contract extension with running back Rhamondre Stevenson on Thursday. The agreement includes $17 million guaranteed.
Stevenson's $9 million average annual value makes him the seventh-highest paid back in the league on a per-year basis. His AAV puts him in some good company, joining the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Jonathan Taylor, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Joe Mixon.
Source confirms the Patriots and RB Rhamondre Stevenson agreed to a four-year, $36M contract extension with $17M guaranteed.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) June 20, 2024
After the running back market had dipped in recent seasons, running back contracts underwent a revival this offseason. In June, reining offensive player of the year Christian McCaffrey completely re-established the running back market when he inked a two-year, $38 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers. McCaffrey's $19 million per year asserted him as the highest-paid back in the league.
Saquon Barkley's traitorous move from the New York Giants to their NFC East archrival Philadelphia Eagles earned him a $12.9 million AAV. Josh Jacobs got $12 million per year to join the Green Bay Packers, and Joe Mixon agreed to a $9.875 AAV deal following a trade to the Houston Texans. Undoubtedly, the Patriots had to cough up more for Stevenson now than they would have at the onset of the offseason.
Earlier this offseason, New England signed another running back, Antonio Gibson, from the Washington Commanders on a three-year, $11.25 million deal. For a brief period, Gibson was the higher-paid Patriot back.
Stevenson has separated himself as New England's primary ball carrier over the past few seasons. The 2021 fourth-rounder missed the final five games of the season in 2023 after suffering an ankle injury. In his 12 games, the Oklahoma product rushed for 619 yards and 4 touchdowns while averaging 4 yards per carry. He also caught 38 passes for 238 yards. Stevenson eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in 2022.
Stevenson joins Kendrick Bourne, Kyle Dugger, Michael Onwenu, Hunter Henry David Andrews, and Josh Uche as notable players that new de facto GM Eliot Wolf has either brought back or extended this offseason as New England has applied a premium on retaining roster talent.
Stevenson's deal will carry him through his age-29 season.
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