Patriots, Rhamondre Stevenson reportedly agree to extension

Rhamondre Stevenson wasn't lying when he said last week that he and the Patriots were "close" on an extension.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that the deal is now done, with Stevenson agreeing to a new four-year, $36 million contract, including $17 million fully guaranteed.

Stevenson figures to be a big part of Jerod Mayo and Alex Van Pelt's new-look offense, which is expected to lean heavily on the run game with either Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye at quarterback.

The 26-year-old running back is entering his fourth NFL season after being drafted in the fourth round in 2021. He played 12 games last year before his season was ended by a high-ankle sprain, running for 619 yards and four touchdowns while also catching 38 passes for 238 yards.

Stevenson's best season came in 2022, when he rushed for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns while adding 69 receptions for another 421 yards and a touchdown.

As the Boston Herald's Andrew Callahan notes , Stevenson's new contract makes him the sixth-highest-paid running back in the NFL by total contract value.

Stevenson was entering the final year of his rookie contract. He now joins a growing list of Patriots who have been extended this offseason that also includes Mike Onwenu, Kyle Dugger, Hunter Henry, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings.