Patriots player Lamond Stevenson agrees to four-year contract extension: report

Running back Lamond Stevenson will remain in Foxborough for the foreseeable future after agreeing to a four-year contract extension with the New England Patriots, according to multiple reports.

According to ESPN, Stevenson will sign a contract worth $36 million over four years, with an average annual value of $9 million.

Stevenson said during the team’s mandatory minicamp this month that he believed the deal was “very close,” a statement the Patriots confirmed as they locked up their franchise running back.

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Lamond Stevenson of the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on December 3, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Catherine Riley/Getty Images)

Stevenson, New England’s fourth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, isn’t the first player the Patriots have locked up long-term this offseason. Safety Kyle Dugger reached a contract extension after being previously tagged by the team, and wide receiver Kendrick Bourne returned to the team.

That was the plan for Elliott Wolf, who was named executive vice president of player personnel and Jerod Mayo, who succeeded Bill Belichick as head coach. Wolff wants to select players and develop them until they get the chance to re-sign.

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Although Stevenson struggled in 2023 with 619 rushing yards, four touchdowns, and 238 receiving yards, he is still viewed as a strong running back who can get the job done, Especially in short yardage situations.

“Without a doubt, I think he’s one of the best defenders in the league,” Mayo said, according to ESPN. “I’m excited to see what he’s doing this season, and look, he’s earned everything he’s gotten.”

Lamond Stevenson of the New England Patriots against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on December 1, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports)

Stevenson is already working with first-year offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt on the new running game scheme he will follow. Van Pelt spent the past four years coaching the Cleveland Browns, and Stevenson has studied Nick Chubb’s running game there, including wide-area runs that require timing and explosive moves when holes open up.

Stevenson, along with free agent Antonio Gibson, will also be tasked with providing versatility in the passing game. But the most important thing for anyone who gets an extension is short yardage and a strong goal-line run, which has been a success for New England and they shouldn’t lose that even if Belichick is gone. identity.

Stevenson’s best season came in 2022, when he started just seven games but racked up 1,040 yards and five touchdowns while catching 69 passes for 421 yards and a score.