5 Patriots players who should receive contract extensions in 2024

5 Patriots players who should receive contract extensions in 2024

Rhamondre Stevenson

The idea of paying a running back the big bucks in today's NFL has become a controversial topic, no matter how critical they have become to a team's offensive success.

Sure, you can find good players at that position in nearly every new draft, but when you find a solid performer who is well-rounded and wants to be the team's go-to guy, why wouldn't you want to keep him around?

That's the situation the Patriots are in with Rhamondre Stevenson, who will enter the final year of his rookie contract this fall. The 26-year-old has become the dual-threat the team has historically loved, earning the starting role in his second season, resulting in Damien Harris moving down the depth chart.

With his improvement in the backfield coupled with his determination (and accomplishment) to become a threat in the passing game, Stevenson has earned his spot as New England's top running back for years. He has consistently been one of the most reliable weapons on the team, no matter who was in at quarterback, and he aims to take on an even bigger role during the 2024 season.

It's assumed he will continue on the path of being among the running backs in the top half of the league, remaining as the RB1 with Antonio Gibson as his #2.

Because he's projected to have a bounce-back season after suffering an injury last year, Jerod Mayo and Co. would be best to get an extension done now before his value skyrockets, creating more intrigue from teams around the league ahead of next year's free agency.