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Mike Reiss, ESPN staff writer
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Running back Rahmondre Stevenson said earlier this month that he believes a contract extension with the New England Patriots is “pretty close,” and as he often does on the field, he's pushed the deal to the goal line.
A source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Thursday that Stevenson has agreed to terms with the team on a four-year, $36 million extension that includes $17 million fully guaranteed.
The expansion continues an offseason theme for the Patriots, under first-year executive vice president (player personnel) Eliot Wolf and first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. Wolf said the Patriots want to be known as a “draft and develop” team.
The Patriots have continued their trend of re-signing and retaining talent this offseason.
🏈RB Rhamondre Stevenson (4 years, $36M)
🏈S Kyle Dugger (4 years, $58M)
🏈OT Mike Onwenu (3 years, $57M)
🏈TE Hunter Henry (3 years, $27M)
🏈WR Kendrick Bourne (3 years, $19.5M)… pic.twitter.com/e3M14pdsRf— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 20, 2024
Stevenson joined the Patriots as a fourth-round selection out of Oklahoma in 2021. In 41 NFL games, he has totaled 2,265 rushing yards on 499 carries with 14 touchdowns. He has also been productive as a pass-catcher, with 121 receptions for 782 yards and one touchdown.
He was entering the final year of a four-year contract he signed as a rookie that included a base salary of $3.116 million through the 2024 season.
“I think he’s one of the best backs in the league, no doubt about it,” Mayo said at the team’s mandatory minicamp two weeks ago. “I’m excited to see what he does this season, and see, he’s earned everything he’s gotten.”
This is the third season that Stevenson is being considered the Patriots' primary running back, this time under first-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who plans to showcase the wide-zone run, which Stevenson said he spent time studying this offseason. As part of that process, Stevenson said he has watched film of Browns running back Nick Chubb, as Van Pelt spent the past four seasons on Cleveland's coaching staff.
“Watching him run all over the defense, it makes me feel like the linemen are on track, everything is working properly,” he said two weeks ago. “I hope we can do that this year.”
Stevenson, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 227 pounds, also said he’s been able to manage his weight better this offseason, a result of paying more attention to nutrition.
Stevenson, who will be complemented by free agent Antonio Gibson on the running back depth chart, told reporters earlier this month that negotiating an extension with the Patriots was a “long process.”