5 Patriots with the most to prove during the 2024 season

Rhamondre Stevenson

Unlike some others on the list, Rhamondre Stevenson doesn't have much to prove from a production standpoint; he has to prove why he deserves a contract extension to stay with the Patriots beyond the 2024 season.

Since being drafted in 2021, he has risen the ranks and quickly earned the lead role in the backfield, bumping Damien Harris out. His dedication to becoming a dual-threat running back helped accomplish that feat, as he has become even better on the ground and a solid weapon in the passing game.

Stevenson was on the path to having the best statistical season of his career last year but suffered a season-ending injury after 12 games. He's expected to pick up where he left off this fall and it couldn't come at a better time.

Because the Patriots didn't draft a running back this year, that might be an indication of their plan to focus on Stevenson now and in the future. If he can put together another impressive season, there's no reason to believe that Eliot Wolf won't want to retain him with a new contract.

Although there is a narrative that teams don't like to keep running backs beyond their rookie contracts, which seemed to be proven this offseason, Stevenson has stated he wants to stay on the team and hasn't looked to slow down whatsoever.

Given his talent, he might fetch a hefty contract, but New England is loaded with cap space next year, allowing them to afford it.

It would be ideal to keep an integral piece of the offense for more years to maintain fluidity within the team, even more so whenever Drake Maye becomes the quarterback.