The New England Patriots are having a backfield problem, so this may mean a lesser workload for running back Rhamondre Stevenson this season. According to reports, there might be reason to believe that Stevenson might receive fewer snaps in the backfield unit as the running back is still struggling to find his rhythm. Fumbling has been an issue for Stevenson since last year, losing seven balls in one season, and that continues to be a trend this season. This means rookie TreVeyon Henderson and veteran Antonio Gibson will receive most of the starting reps if it happens, and it might be the route they have to take if Stevenson can’t secure the football.
Despite signing a four-year extension last year for a $36 million deal, it might be best for the Patriots to part ways with Stevenson. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Cerritos and Oklahoma product is likely on the trade block, given that they have enough talent between Henderson and Gibson. Stevenson might not get dealt this season or anytime soon, but at some point, it might be better to trade him while he’s still young. There should be plenty of teams looking for running back depth, and Stevenson is still arguably a starter in the league.
He might not get starting reps when he joins a new team, but he’s still a durable ball-carrier to move the chains in situational moments.
Report: Rhamondre Stevenson Possible Reduced Workload Could Signal Trade
Possible Next Teams
New Orleans Saints
At 0-3, the New Orleans Saints need anything to bring this offense back to life. Quarterback Spencer Rattler isn’t far from helping the team get a win this season. However, the Saints will need to help Rattler with some extra depth in the backfield. While they have one of the best running backs in the league in Alvin Kamara, they can’t allow him to hold most of the snaps on the field.
He’s aging and needs help to share the snaps with another backfield piece. They had the answers in Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Cam Akers, but they felt that Kendre Miller was a viable backup. This isn’t the case for the Saints. Stevenson has his issues, but a new scenery change might be what he needs to be a crucial part of this offense to run the football up near the red zone.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are still in the market for a running back ever since they lost Najee Harris to a brutal season-ending injury. They can’t afford to have Omarion Hampton to handle most of the work as a downhill runner, so they must sign someone or trade asap. Stevenson isn’t Harris 2.0, but he has similar techniques and movements to fight for the extra yardage, which could be key in fighting for the first down.
Kansas City Chiefs
However, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking for backup help behind Isiah Pacheco. Veteran Kareem Hunt is in his final year of his contract and could be on his way out after this season, as he’s aging. Stevenson is a safe, low-stakes, young developing backfield piece that could find his role behind one of the best offensive lines in the league.
