FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
The New England Patriots have been active in the offseason, making several notable moves in free agency to bolster their roster. Among their key acquisitions is the signing of Antonio Gibson to a three-year, $11.25 million contract, with $5.3 million guaranteed. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to enhance the team's competitiveness.
Extending Rhamondre Stevenson
In addition to signing Gibson, the Patriots have solidified their backfield by agreeing to a four-year extension with Rhamondre Stevenson worth $36 million, including $17 million guaranteed. Stevenson, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2021, has quickly become a crucial part of the Patriots' offense. To date, he has accumulated 2,265 rushing yards on 499 carries, complemented by 14 touchdowns.
Contract Moves and Investments
The extension of Stevenson is part of a broader strategy that has seen the Patriots secure several key players this offseason. Notably, 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
With Stevenson’s contract ranking seventh among current running back contracts in guaranteed money, the Patriots are positioned in the upper half of the league in this category. This raises a pertinent question:
"Are the Patriots over-investing at the running back position?"
Leadership and Strategy Shift
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 making long-term investments across all positions. This represents a significant shift from the approach employed under Bill Belichick, whose preference for conservative contract strategies contributed to a difficult 4-13 campaign last season. Belichick’s departure after 24 seasons with the team has paved the way for Mayo and Wolf to take a different approach.
The new leadership is willing to adopt strategies that shift risks to the team earlier, as illustrated by Stevenson’s early extension. This 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, but the extension brings new dynamics to the running back position.
Impact on the Backfield
Alongside Antonio Gibson, Stevenson is expected to be a primary fixture in the Patriots' backfield this season. The team hopes that both Gibson and Stevenson can break the trend of running back declines often seen in the league. Kevin Harris and JaMycal Hasty are among those vying for a place, adding further intrigue to the Patriots’ training camp dynamics.
A New Philosophy
The extension of Rhamondre Stevenson signifies a broader shift in the Patriots' philosophy. By investing heavily in talent and offering larger guarantees, the new leadership aims to build a sustainable team capable of competing at the highest level. 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 improve their roster. Only time will tell if these moves will translate into success on the gridiron. The Patriots’ new era, led by Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf, will be defined by their ability to navigate these investments while maintaining performance standards. This period will be crucial for evaluating the success of these changes as the Patriots aim to return to their winning ways.