Stevenson: 'Pretty close' to extension with Patriots
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson believes he's nearing an extension with the New England Patriots.
"Right now, I'm trying to get the deal done and get it locked in. We'll see where that goes. It's pretty close," Stevenson said Monday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Stevenson has established himself as the Patriots' top tailback over the past two seasons. The former fourth-round selection has ran for 2,265 yards and 14 touchdowns over three campaigns while recording 121 receptions for 782 yards. That production hasn't gone unnoticed among his teammates and coaches.
"I think he's one of the better backs in the league, no doubt about it," head coach Jerod Mayo said. "I'm excited to see what he does this season. And look, he's earned everything that he gets. He is our starting running back, and hopefully we do get something done."
The Oklahoma product is set to make $3.1 million in base salary entering the final year of his rookie deal, per Over the Cap. Stevenson maintains that he's not upset about the ongoing negotiations and will "respect the process."
"It's hard not to think about it. This is our career, our life and our future," he said. "But just staying disciplined and coming out here and working every day; as long as you do that, everything else should come with it."
The 6-foot, 227-pound halfback is seeking a new agreement in an offseason where both Christian McCaffrey and Joe Mixon have received extensions.