One of the most overlooked stories of the Patriots' 2026 offseason surrounds the impressive summer that running back Rhamondre Stevenson had. His coaches raved about his tenacity over the last seven months, and they raved about the kind of season he's likely to have after a standout year in 2025.
It might not have been his flashiest statistical season, but Stevenson proved yet again that he is the Patriots' starting running back who continues to be a dual threat that Drake Maye can count on.
He's expected to keep that up this fall, and with TreVeyon Henderson's status for Week 1 against the Seahawks still up in the air, having not practiced since August 24, it's fair to say Stevenson will have a bigger workload right away.
Although all eyes are going to be on A.J. Brown in his Patriots' debut, there might be more reason to watch the backfield and how strong Stevenson comes out to start the year. As long as he can avoid reverting to the fumbling issues of his past, he could very well become a top RB in the league in no time this season, and it might be exactly what the offense needs.
Rhamondre Stevenson might be on the cusp of an overlooked breakout season
Over the years, the Patriots have been very good at signing or drafting running backs who are solid runners and reliable pass-catchers their quarterback can rely on. Being a dual threat out of the backfield has been a consistent part of what they're looking for, and Stevenson has worked his way to fit that mold since the spring of 2021, when he was drafted.
He exploded onto the scene in his sophomore year, recording 210 carries for 1,040 yards and 5 touchdowns, while adding 69 receptions for 421 yards and a score as a receiver.
It was a massive shift from the kind of player he was the season before, as he made an extreme effort to work on his skills as a receiver. He wasn't known for it during his college career at Oklahoma, but he knew it would make him a difference-maker with the Patriots.
Although he hasn't replicated those kinds of numbers in the years since, he has become somewhat of a security blanket for the multiple quarterbacks he's worked with and had the best season as a pass catcher in Year 2 with Drake Maye last year.
In 2026, he is projected to remain the RB1 for the offense and potentially take on even more snaps until Henderson can return to the field and work his way to becoming a more reliable option. That means Stevenson is likely to steal the spotlight throughout the season and prove why he's still in this role.
Despite the questions about his ball security or explosiveness, Stevenson has earned the right to be Maye's top running back option for as long as he can make plays and break tackles. That has also earned him the chance to make more headlines against the Seahawks than Brown.
With an improved offensive line, including fullback Reggie Gilliam, Stevenson has a chance to be the best yet, adding another lethal element to the Patriots' offense as they hope to rebound from a devastating Super Bowl loss.
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