FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
The New England Patriots have made some notable moves in free agency, beginning with the signing of Antonio Gibson to a three-year, $11.25 million contract, featuring $5.3 million guaranteed.
Key Extension for Stevenson
The team has now secured a four-year extension with Rhamondre Stevenson, worth $36 million, including $17 million guaranteed. Stevenson, drafted in the fourth round in 2021, has quickly emerged as a significant part of the Patriots' offense. To date, he has amassed 2,265 rushing yards on 499 carries, complemented by 14 touchdowns.
Stevenson’s extension aligns with a broader strategy, where the Patriots have locked in several key players this offseason. Among those receiving new contracts are:
- 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
With Stevenson’s new deal ranking seventh among current running back contracts in guaranteed money, the Patriots find themselves in the upper half of the league within this category.
Shift in Strategy Under New Leadership
Under the leadership of first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, the Patriots seem more willing to make long-term investments across all positions. This contrasts with the approach of former head coach Bill Belichick.
Belichick’s preference for conservative contract strategies was a contributing factor to a challenging 4-13 campaign last season, leading to his departure after 24 seasons with the team. With Mayo and Wolf at the helm, the organization is willing to shift risks to the team earlier, as illustrated by Stevenson’s early extension.
This approach requires a careful balance, as backloaded contracts are often used to provide financial insurance against declining performance and potential injuries. Stevenson was already under contract for the 2024 season with a base salary of $3.116 million. However, the extension brings new dynamics to the running back position.
Impact on the Running Back Position
Alongside Antonio Gibson, Stevenson is expected to be a primary figure in the Patriots' backfield this season. The team hopes that both Gibson and Stevenson can break the trend of running back declines often observed in the league. Kevin Harris and JaMycal Hasty are among those vying for a place, adding further intrigue to the Patriots’ training camp dynamics.
The extension of Rhamondre Stevenson signifies a broader shift in the Patriots' philosophy. By investing heavily in talent and providing larger guarantees, the new leadership aims to build a sustainable team capable of competing at the highest level.
Financial Considerations and Future Implications
With the financial flexibility provided by an $85 million salary cap entering the offseason, the team has made calculated risks to improve their roster. Only time will tell if these moves will translate into success on the gridiron.
Under the new era led by Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf, the Patriots’ ability to navigate these investments while maintaining performance standards will be crucial. This period will be vital for evaluating the success of these changes as the Patriots aim to return to their winning ways.
The Patriots and their fanbase will be eagerly observing how these investments play out on the field. The question remains: are the Patriots over-investing at the running back position?