With the 2024 season in the books, MassLive will look at each position group on the Patriots, analyzing how the team performed and where it might be heading in the future. This is an important offseason for new Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and owner Robert Kraft. This series continues with running backs.
Running backs: Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, JaMychal Hasty, Terrell Jennings, Kevin Harris
Contract situation: The Patriots have long and short-term depth at this position.
Stevenson enters 2025 in the first year of his new four-year contract extension. He’ll have a cap hit of $5.5 million this season. Signed through 2028, that cap hit rises to $7.6 million, $9.6 million, and then $11.6 million. However, it remains to be seen if the Patriots keep him around for those terms. Stevenson’s contract isn’t guaranteed for the final two years.
Gibson enters this year in the second of his three-year deal. He’ll have a cap hit of $4.5 million this season. The Patriots could save $1.325 million by cutting Gibson but that seems unlikely since they’d still ow him $3.175 million. His 2026 salary isn’t guaranteed.
Harris wasn’t signed to a futures contract and is currently a free agent. Hasty will become an unrestricted free agent in March.
2024 review: For the second straight season the Patriots aimed to run their offense around Stevenson.
Last summer, the team gave the running back a new 4-year, $36 million contract. The hope was that Stevenson would take to Alex Van Pelt’s new system and take off. Ultimately, that never materialized due to the Patriots inefficient offensive line and ball security issues.
Stevenson ran for 120 yards in the Patriots Week 1 upset over Cincinnati. However, that also started a streak where he fumbled four games in a row.
Stevenson finished with 801 rushing yards to go with seven touchdowns. He added 33 receptions for 168 yards and another touchdown. The back averaged a career-low yards per carry last year. Even more concerning was his issues holding onto the ball. Stevenson led all non-quarterbacks in fumbles with seven.
Gibson ended up being one of the Patriots best free-agent signings. The veteran finished with 538 rushing yards to go with a touchdown. He added 23 receptions and 206 yards. Gibson had several explosive plays last season – notably a 45-yard run against Seattle and a 50-yard catch and run in San Francisco.
Hasty added 69 rushing yards as a reserve back. His shining comment came in London when he caught five passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. Jennings added 33 rushing yards on 13 carries.
The future: On paper, the Patriots are set at running back at the top of their depth chart. Stevenson is signed through 2028, and Gibson is under contract through 2026.
However, changes are expected in some fashion.
Stevenson’s contract is guaranteed for the next two seasons. Gibson’s contract is only guaranteed this year. Under new offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the Patriots should look to add depth and competition to the running back room.
Stevenson has the ability to rush for over 1,000 yards but won’t get that chance with Mike Vrabel if he can’t hold onto the ball. This is a big year for the running back. The Patriots could sign a veteran to add more competition to the room. Options include Cam Akers, A.J. Dillon, and Alexander Mattison.
With McDaniels, he’ll also make sure the Patriots have an adequate third-down back. Gibson could fill that role. He also provides competition to Stevenson. Free agent options include Nyheim Hines, Samaje Perine, and Ty Johnson.
Most likely, however, is that the Patriots search in the draft for added depth and competition. This year’s class is especially deep. They should draft a running back to push Stevenson.
