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Mike Reiss, ESPN staff writer
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – New England Patriots running back Reamond Stephenson, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, said he has been involved in negotiations with the team on an extension that could be nearing expiration.
“Right now, I’m just trying to get the deal done and get it done. We’ll see where that goes. It’s pretty close,” Stevenson said Monday on the first day of the team’s mandatory minicamp.
Stevenson was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft and has opened the past two seasons as the team’s best player. He played in 41 games and totaled 2,265 yards on 499 carries with 14 touchdowns. He also caught 121 passes for 782 yards and one touchdown.
Under a new regime led by executive vice president of player personnel Elliott Wolff and first-year coach Jerrod Mayo, the Patriots have made it a priority to be a “draft and develop” team, and Stevenson’s contract extension will further reflect that.
Stevenson, who is set to make a base salary of $3.116 million this season, said the two sides have been engaged in talks for a long time.
“It’s not frustrating, but it’s just a long process. This is my first time going through this process, but only after listening to all the other people, that’s how it goes. It’s a negotiation process, and I respect the process.” he said, adding that some of the free-agent deals at the position may have strengthened his case.
“It’s hard not to think about it. This is our career, our life, our future. But just staying disciplined and coming here and working every day; as long as you do that, everything else has to come with it.”
The 6-foot, 227-pound Stevenson had his 2023 season cut short with a high ankle sprain in Week 13. The Patriots were eliminated from playoff contention at the time, which may lessen the urgency of Stevenson’s return, as the team ultimately finished fourth. -13.
In spring practices, Stephenson led a backroom that included free agent Antonio Gibson, who signed a three-year, $11.25 million contract with the team after spending the first four years of his career with the Washington Chiefs.
“I think he’s one of the best players in the league, there’s no doubt about that,” Mayo said of Stevenson. “I’m excited to see what he does this season, and look, he’s getting everything he’s getting. It’s the start of our career and hopefully we can accomplish something.”
