Report: Patriots signing RB Stevenson to 4-year, $36M extension

The New England Patriots are signing running back Rhamondre Stevenson to a four-year, $36-million extension that includes $17 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Stevenson will receive $8 million as a signing bonus, and his contract includes $12 million in incentives for posting at least 1,400 yards and earning Pro Bowl or All-Pro nods, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who notes the tailback’s new deal begins in 2025.

The Patriots had been negotiating a new contract with their top running back for weeks, and Stevenson said on June 10 that the two sides were “pretty close” to an extension.

Stevenson’s average annual salary of $9 million places him sixth among running backs, according to Spotrac.

The 26-year-old topped 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in 2022 but couldn’t replicate that success last year as injuries limited him to 12 games. He recorded 619 yards (4 per carry) and four touchdowns on the ground in 2023. He finished with 857 scrimmage yards and four total touchdowns, ranking second and third, respectively, on the team.

A fourth-round pick in 2021, Stevenson has rushed for 2,265 yards (4.5 per carry) and 14 touchdowns in 41 NFL appearances. He’s also caught 121 passes for 782 yards and one score.

Retaining key starters long term was a priority for the Patriots this offseason. In addition to Stevenson, New England re-signed safety Kyle Dugger, offensive tackle Mike Onwenu, and tight end Hunter Henry, among others

Stevenson is the latest running back to ink a lucrative deal this year. The position faced a cold market in 2023, but this offseason has seen the likes of Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs receive big multi-year contracts.

Barkley signed a three-year, $37-million pact with the Philadelphia Eagles in March, while the Baltimore Ravens gave Henry a two-year, $16-million contract. Jacobs joined the Green Bay Packers on a four-year deal worth $48 million.

The San Francisco 49ers recently rewarded running back Christian McCaffrey with a two-year extension, increasing his average annual salary to $19 million, easily the highest in the NFL at his position.

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