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FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
The New England Patriots have been making headlines this offseason with a series of notable moves in free agency. One of the most significant is the signing of running back Antonio Gibson to a three-year, $11.25 million contract, which includes $5.3 million guaranteed.
The team has also secured running back Rhamondre Stevenson with a four-year extension worth $36 million, including $17 million guaranteed. Stevenson, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2021, has rapidly become a crucial part of the Patriots' offensive strategy. To date, he has accumulated 2,265 rushing yards on 499 carries, along with 14 touchdowns.
Free Agency Moves
Stevenson’s extension is indicative of a broader strategy, which has seen the Patriots secure several key players this offseason. So far, 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 new leadership from first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf, the Patriots are willing to make long-term investments across all positions. This represents a shift from the previous approach under former head coach Bill Belichick. Belichick’s preference for conservative contract strategies contributed to a difficult 4-13 campaign last season, leading to his departure after 24 seasons with the team.
Investment in the Running Back Position
Some have questioned whether the Patriots are over-investing at the running back position. Stevenson's contract ranks seventh among current running back contracts in guaranteed money, placing the Patriots in the upper half of the league in this category. Stevenson's early extension symbolizes a willingness by the new leadership to assume risks earlier than usual, favoring immediate investments over the backloaded contracts traditionally used to hedge against performance declines and injuries.
Before the extension, Stevenson was already under contract for the 2024 season with a base salary of $3.116 million. However, the new deal introduces fresh dynamics to the running back position. Alongside Antonio Gibson, Stevenson is anticipated to be a primary fixture in the Patriots' backfield this season. The hope is that both players can buck the league-wide trend of running back declines often observed as players advance in their careers.
Training Camp Intrigues
Adding to the intrigue, Kevin Harris and JaMycal Hasty are among those vying for a place in the Patriots' backfield, adding further competitive dynamics to the team's training camp.
The investments in Stevenson and other key players signify a broader shift in the Patriots' philosophy under Mayo and Wolf. By allocating significant funds and providing larger guarantees, the new leadership aims to build a sustainable team capable of competing at the highest levels. The fanbase will be keenly watching to see how these investments translate onto the field.
Financial Flexibility
Thanks to an $85 million salary cap as they entered the offseason, the Patriots have had the financial flexibility to take these calculated risks in improving their roster. Only time will tell if these moves will generate the desired success on the gridiron.
A New Era for the Patriots
This new era, led by Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf, will define itself by the success in navigating these investments while maintaining high performance standards. The coming season will be crucial for evaluating whether these changes will return the Patriots to their winning ways.
Quotes:
"Are the Patriots over-investing at the running back position?"