Rhamondre Stevenson has enjoyed a productive first three seasons in New England.
The 26-year-old Patriots running back went over the 1000-yard mark in 2022 and has often been a bright spot in an offense that’s otherwise been difficult to watch. However, Stevenson has shown flashes of being even more than just a good player. Sometimes his highlight reel runs are ridiculous.
On the latest episode of the Eye on Foxborough podcast, three-time Super Bowl champion James White was asked what Stevenson can do to take his game to the next level.
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“I think it’s just continue to build,” White said. “I think each year he’s gotten better and better. I know (when Damian Harris was injured in 2022) and he was thrusted into that full time role, a lot was thrown at him, but I think he embraces that now. He wants to be the feature back.
“So I think for him, it’s just taking care of your body and just continuing to work on your endurance. If you’re gonna be on the field for 80% of the snaps, you’re gonna have to build up your endurance and I think it’s the — he did that (in 2023) and he just rolled his ankle (in Week 13) and that ended up taking him out. But I think that’s the area where I love to see him continue to improve at.”
For the first time in his career, Stevenson is also entering a contract year.
Though he’s hopeful to sign an extension in New England, the fourth-year back hasn’t agreed to one yet. Ballcarriers can take a beating over the course of a season, so what is the mindset for a running back entering the final year of a deal?
“It’s a precarious position for sure,” White said. “The running back market, a lot of guys a solid payday this past free agency. More than what I ever expected. So I think he should be sitting pretty good, just gotta go out there and perform. That’s what it’s all about. And after you get the contract, you have to continue to perform. I think that’s why the running back market has been watered down.
“Some guys who have gotten paid, the performance has dropped off some or they’ve gotten injured. And I think Rhamondre, he has to stay healthy and perform at a high level, and whether it’s the Patriots or somebody else, (they) will pay him some good money.”
