The New England Patriots are once again demonstrating that 2024 is officially the dawn of a new era in Foxborough.
The Old ‘Patriot Way’ Approached Large Contracts With A Heavy Dose Of Scepticism
In the entirety of former head coach and general manager, Bill Belichick’s time at the helm of the 6 x Super Bowl-winning franchise, the team gave out very few big-money, long-term contracts.
Even in re-signing their own players, where teams are generally more comfortable giving out big money, the default move for the Patriots was to let their guys test the open market and get paid by desperate franchises in free agency, all the while picking up a slew of compensatory picks in the process.
GOAT quarterback, Tom Brady, still took a pay cut during practically his entire duration in New England to accommodate the franchise in being able to give their trademark short-term, mid-range contracts to more players.
Bill Belichick famously reserved mega contracts for players that were truly irreplaceable, or added a completely new level of class to the position. Rob Gronkowski was made the highest paid tight end (at the time) back in 2012 when he signed a 6 year, $54 million extension, whilst Stephon Gilmore was signed in free agency to a 5 year, $65 million deal back in 2017.
A Different Way For The “New” New England Patriots
As new HC, Jerod Mayo replaces Belichick the coach, and EVP of Player Personnel, Eliot Wolf, effectively replaces Belichick the GM, a new philosophy is in town.
And with this new outlook comes changes and new decisions, a big one of which has just come to light, per Adam Schefter.
Patriots and RB Rhamondre Stevenson reached agreement on a four-year extension for $36 million, including $17M fully guaranteed, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 20, 2024
Rhamondre Stevenson Signs 4 Year, $36 Million Extension
Despite having what is generally considered to be one of the weaker rosters in the National Football League, Wolf has made sure to lock up multiple pieces of the Patriots’ roster, with extensions to tackle, Mike Onwenu and subsequently to Transition Tag’d safety, Kyle Dugger.
In fact, as Adam Schefter reports, the Patriots have now re-signed 6 players to multiple year long extensions this offseason.
Patriots continue their trend of re-signing and retaining their own talent this offseason.
🏈RB Rhamondre Stevenson (4 years, $36M)
🏈S Kyle Dugger (4 years, $58M)
🏈OT Mike Onwenu (3 years, $57M)
🏈TE Hunter Henry (3 years, $27M)
🏈WR Kendrick Bourne (3 years, $19.5M)… pic.twitter.com/e3M14pdsRf— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 20, 2024
Rhamondre Stevenson has been a more than capable power back over the past 3 years in Foxborough, totalling 2,265 yards, including a 1,040 yard season back in 2022. 2023 saw Stevenson’s numbers take a step back, registering only 619 yards, albeit in just 12 games.
Stevenson is also a moderate threat in the passing game, recording 782 career receiving yards, an unusually impressive feat for a player considered as a powerful, downhill runner.
Is the contract worth it?
Well, the former Oklahoma man is now under contract until his age-31 season season, just after the point at which backs tend to regress. Yet, having had only 165 rushing attempts in college and 499 so far in the pros.
With data generally suggesting that RBs tend to suffer a steep decline after around 2,500 touches, Stevenson – with not even 700 logged so far, could well have another many years left of high level performance, perhaps well into his 30s.
For Additional Content
Hello there. If you enjoyed this article (or, really, even if you didn’t). Please go and follow me on Twitter @danielarwas for more NFL breaking news, updates, and “special edition” previews.
Our Partners
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance costs and booking fees, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Radtke Sports
Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud to partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia, including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply
