FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
The Patriots have been making significant moves in free agency, starting with the signing of Antonio Gibson to a three-year, $11.25 million contract, with $5.3 million guaranteed. They have now also agreed to a four-year extension with Rhamondre Stevenson worth $36 million, including $17 million in guaranteed money.
Drafted in the fourth round in 2021, Stevenson has rapidly become a substantial part of the Patriots' offensive scheme. To date, Stevenson has accumulated 2,265 rushing yards on 499 carries, garnished by 14 touchdowns. His extension is part of a broader strategy that has seen the Patriots secure several key players this offseason.
Key Signings and Extensions
So far, six players have received new contracts:
- Kyle Dugger: Four-year, $58 million contract
- Mike Onwenu: Three-year, $57 million contract
- Hunter Henry: Three-year, $27 million contract
- Kendrick Bourne: Three-year, $19.5 million contract
- Anfernee Jennings: Three-year, $12 million contract
Investment Strategy at Running Back
This begs the question: Are the Patriots over-investing at the running back position? Stevenson’s contract ranks seventh among current running back contracts in guaranteed money, positioning the Patriots in the upper half of the league in this category.
Under the new leadership of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, the Patriots appear open to long-term investments across all positions. This signifies a departure from the conservative contract strategies employed under Bill Belichick. Belichick’s preference for caution in financial matters contributed to a challenging 4-13 campaign last season, a performance that led to his departure after an illustrious 24-season tenure with the team.
With Mayo and Wolf at the helm, the organization is showing a willingness to shift risks to the team earlier, as evidenced by Stevenson’s early extension. Such a strategy requires careful balance since backloaded contracts often provide financial insurance against declining performance and potential injuries.
Offseason Dynamics and Future Implications
Stevenson was already under contract for the 2024 season with a base salary of $3.116 million, but the extension introduces new dynamics to the running back position. Alongside Antonio Gibson, Stevenson is expected to be a mainstay in the Patriots' backfield this season. The team hopes that both Gibson and Stevenson can defy the common trend of running back declines frequently observed in the league.
With Kevin Harris and JaMycal Hasty among those vying for a place, there's an added layer of intrigue to the Patriots’ training camp dynamics. The extension of Stevenson signifies a broader shift in the Patriots' philosophy. By investing heavily in talent and providing larger financial guarantees, the new leadership aims to build a sustainable team capable of competing at the highest level.
A Calculated Risk for Future Success
The Patriots and their fanbase will be eagerly watching to see how these investments play out on the field. With the financial flexibility provided by an $85 million salary cap entering the offseason, the team has made calculated risks to enhance their roster. Only time will tell if these moves will translate into success on the gridiron.
This new era, led by Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf, will be defined by their ability to navigate these investments while maintaining high performance standards. It represents a crucial period for evaluating the success of these changes, as the Patriots aspire to return to their winning ways.
As questions loom—such as, "Are the Patriots over-investing at the running back position?"—the long-term vision and strategy of Mayo and Wolf will be put to the test. Will their aggressive approach to contracts and player retention pay off? The next few seasons will be telling for the Patriots' new direction and efforts to reclaim their status as one of the NFL’s elite teams.