Rhamondre Stevenson says he’s ‘pretty close’ on extension with Patriots

“Right now I’m just trying to get the deal done and get it locked in with the extension."

Rhamondre Stevenson is entering the final year of his rookie contract. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

June 10, 2024

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Jerod Mayo preached plenty of optimism on Monday when asked about Rhamondre Stevenson and the odds of the talented back signing an extension in New England.

“I think he’s one of the better backs in the league, no doubt about it,” Mayo said. “I think over the last few years, it’s been kind of tough on him, as far as getting started. So I’m excited to see what he does this season. And look, he’s earned everything that he gets. He is our starting running back and hopefully we do get something done.”

The 26-year-old running back is entering the final year of his rookie deal, with a sizable pay raise looming on the horizon.

Speaking after Monday’s minicamp practice, Stevenson shared a similar sentiment about sticking around in Foxborough for the long haul — signaling that a long-term deal was in the process of being hammered out.

Even with an underwhelming 2023 season, Stevenson has established himself as one of the more impactful running backs in the league — headlined by a 2022 campaign where he accrued nearly 1,500 total yards of scrimmage with six touchdowns.

Even with progress being made, Stevenson is eagerly looking to cross the finish line and join fellow 2021 draft pick Christian Barmore as a key contributor finally granted security with a lengthy deal.

“It’s hard not to think about. This is our career, our life, our future,” Stevenson said. “It’s something you’ve got to think about. Right now, I’m trying to get the deal done and get it locked in with the extension.”

Stevenson’s numbers dipped on a woeful offensive unit last season, rushing for 619 yards and four touchdowns before an ankle injury sidelined him for the team’s final five games of the year.

With free-agent signing Antonio Gibson expected to serve as more of a third-down, pass-catching back on New England’s roster — Stevenson is set up to be the Patriots’ featured option on the ground in 2024, especially with Ezekiel Elliott signing back with Dallas in the offseason.

Mayo noted that Stevenson dropped weight over the offseason in search of a bounce-back season, while the running back added that he’s managed to slim down while maintaining his strong frame.

“I still weigh the same amount, but it’s just better weight. I got my body fat down, so it’s just better weight,” Stevenson said. “Just a little stricter diet. Nothing too crazy … Just to make sure my body is ready for the whole season. It’s a long season. I’ve seen what that can get like, so I tried to prepare myself.”