The New England Patriots are 1-1 to begin the 2025 NFL season as they turn their attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. A continued slow start to the campaign could see the Patriots sell off pieces for draft picks, and injured wideout Ja’Lynn Polk was an example of that when he was dealt to the New Orleans Saints last week.
Polk’s trade leads to an obvious question of who might be shipped out of New England next. Looking at the possibilities, one option that stands out is running back Rhamondre Stevenson. Even with rookie TreyVeon Henderson not yet hitting his stride, it remains incredibly clear that Stevenson doesn’t fit the timeline of this team.
Fans are ready to turn the page, both due to the veteran RB’s age and the fumble issues that haunted the franchise a season ago, leading to a very real possibility that Stevenson will soon follow Polk out the door.
Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson is Next on Chopping Block
Thus far in the 2025 season, Stevenson has managed 69 yards on 18 carries (3.8 yards per attempt) without a touchdown. Meanwhile, Henderson has only 37 yards in the first two weeks, but has a far more attractive yards per carry at 4.6. For the rookie to truly flourish, the Pats need to turn the page from an aging player who the fan base has already been ready to part ways with after last season’s fumbling issues.
Looking around the league at potential trade fits, the Kansas City Chiefs jump out as a team that clearly needs help in the ground game. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes being their sole source of productive rushing is far from ideal, and at least Stevenson would be an upgrade over Kareem Hunt, giving head coach Andy Reid’s offense a boost.
Stevenson would also be a long-term addition for any team interested, as he’s under contract through 2028 with an average annual salary of $9 million, per Spotrac.
Henderson will be able to grow alongside QB Drake Maye and continue to develop as both a back and a receiver. This is the type of move New England would always make at their best. In truth, it is a move that they should’ve made a season ago, understanding where things were headed for Stevenson.
If head coach Mike Vrabel’s staff is truly going to embrace the youth movement, Henderson should be in the starting lineup, meaning Stevenson must go. It isn’t just about the lack of production, but understanding that this is now a veteran RB who no longer has the trust of the fan base or fits with the timeline. Stevenson should unquestionably find a new landing spot before the end of the 2025 season.
