New England Patriots fanbase, the team announced the release of star running back Rhamondre Stevenson, citing internal disputes as the catalyst for the decision. The 27-year-old, who signed a four-year, $36 million extension last offseason, was expected to anchor the Patriots’ backfield in 2025, making his abrupt departure a devastating blow to the team’s offensive identity and a spark for heated debates among fans and analysts alike.
Stevenson, drafted in the fourth round in 2021 from Oklahoma, emerged as a cornerstone of the Patriots’ offense, particularly in 2022 when he rushed for 1,040 yards and five touchdowns while adding 69 receptions for 421 yards.
His bruising yet versatile style made him a fan favorite, and his chemistry with second-year quarterback Drake Maye was seen as pivotal to New England’s 2025 playoff aspirations. However, his 2024 season, marred by a career-low 3.9 yards per carry and a league-leading seven fumbles among running backs, raised concerns about his reliability, despite his 1,072 yards and 41 broken tackles behind a struggling offensive line ranked 32nd in pass-blocking win rate.
Sources close to the team suggest the release stems from a combination of factors, including disagreements over Stevenson’s role under new head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Reports indicate tensions arose during offseason workouts, with Stevenson clashing with Vrabel’s staff over play-calling and his reduced carries in favor of rookie TreVeyon Henderson, drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Henderson’s elite speed and pass-protection skills, highlighted as the best in his draft class, reportedly prompted Vrabel to envision a committee backfield, a shift Stevenson resisted, according to team insiders.
Additionally, Stevenson’s ball-security issues, which Vrabel publicly addressed as a “teaching moment” for the team, may have eroded trust, with the coach emphasizing the need for the entire offense to protect the ball carrier.
The decision to cut Stevenson, whose contract included an out after 2026, saves the Patriots approximately $7 million in cap space, adding to their league-leading $120 million war chest for 2025. However, the move has ignited fury among fans, who view Stevenson as the heart of an offense still seeking consistency around Maye, who ranked 17th in QBR as a rookie. Social media platforms like X are ablaze with reactions, with some fans decrying the release as “a betrayal of our identity” and others arguing it’s a strategic move to prioritize draft capital or free-agent signings, such as a top wide receiver like Tee Higgins or offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley to bolster Maye’s protection.
Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski, who previously suggested Henderson could overtake Stevenson as the starter, called the release “a gut punch” but acknowledged the business side of the NFL. “Rhamondre’s a warrior, but fumbles and a new regime change the game,” Gronkowski said on his podcast.
Analyst Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston warned that the move risks stunting Maye’s development, noting, “Without Stevenson’s physicality, the offense loses its edge, and Maye faces more pressure.” Conversely, Michael DeVito of Musket Fire, who labeled Stevenson a trade candidate earlier this offseason, argued the release aligns with Vrabel’s youth movement, pointing to Henderson and undrafted rookie Lan Larison, who impressed at OTAs, as potential replacements.
The timing of the release, just weeks before training camp, complicates New England’s backfield plans. Henderson, despite his explosiveness, remains unproven, and Antonio Gibson’s underwhelming 2024 performance leaves the unit thin. Vrabel, in a brief statement, expressed gratitude for Stevenson’s contributions but emphasized the need for “alignment and accountability” in the locker room. “We’re building for the future, and tough decisions are part of that,” he said, declining to elaborate on the disputes.
The loss of Stevenson, who returned to OTAs after mourning his father’s passing in March 2025, feels personal. His resilience and connection to the team, evident when coach Tony Dews visited him in Las Vegas, endeared him to the Patriots community. As New England navigates a pivotal offseason with the No. 4 draft pick and significant cap space, Stevenson’s release raises questions about the franchise’s direction. Will the Patriots double down on youth, or will this move haunt a team desperate for offensive stability? For now, the debate rages on, with Stevenson’s departure marking a turning point in Foxborough.
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