Patriots, RB Rhamondre Stevenson agree to 4-year extension

Thu Jun 20 4:12pm ET
Field Level Media

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson and the New England Patriots have agreed to extend his contract for four years and $36 million, including $17 million guaranteed, ESPN and NFL Network reported on Thursday.

Stevenson, 26, is slated to earn a base salary of $3.116 million in the final year on his rookie contract, which he signed after the Patriots selected him in the fourth round of the 2021 draft. His extension takes him through the 2028 season.

He told reporters earlier this month that the sides were "pretty close" to getting a deal done.

"It's not frustrating, but it's just a long process," he said on June 10. "This is my first time going through it, but just hearing from all the other guys, this is how it goes. It's a negotiation process, and I'm respecting the process."

Last season, Stevenson suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 13 and sat out the rest of a 4-13 campaign. In 12 games, he rushed for 619 yards and four touchdowns and caught 38 passes for 238 yards.

In 41 games (21 starts) over three seasons, the 6-foot, 227-pound Oklahoma product has 2,265 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns along with 121 catches for 782 yards and one receiving score.

Stevenson shared the backfield with veteran Ezekiel Elliott last season, but Elliott rejoined the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. This spring, former Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson is in the fold after signing a three-year, $11.25 million deal, but Stevenson remains the starter.

"I think he's one of the better backs in the league, no doubt about it," first-year Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said of Stevenson at the Patriots' mandatory minicamp two weeks ago. "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."

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Darren Waller Oct 19 2:00pm CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (pectoral) is currently considered questionable to return to Sunday's Week 7 contest against the Cleveland Browns. Waller appears to have suffered a pectoral injury and wasn't on the field for the final drive before halftime. Waller hasn't done anything on the field as he wasn't targeted in the game before exiting. If he remains out, Tanner Conner and Julian Hill should see expanded roles in the second half.

From RotoBaller

Jeffery Simmons Oct 19 2:00pm CT
Jeffery Simmons

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (hamstring) has been downgraded to out for the rest of Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. Simmons suffered a hamstring injury while tackling Rhamondre Stevenson in the first half of this contest. As a result, Simmons headed to the sideline and now will remain on the bench. He'll finish his day with one solo tackle and one assisted tackle. His next chance to play will come against the Indianapolis Colts next week. In his absence, T'Vondre Sweat and James Lynch should see expanded roles for the rest of this game.

From RotoBaller

Maxx Crosby Oct 19 1:50pm CT
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (knee) is considered doubtful to return to Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Crosby suffered a knee injury that forced him out of action in the first half. Before exiting, Crosby recorded one solo tackle and two assisted tackles. The Raiders are already being blown out, so they might play it safe with their superstar pass rusher in the second half. It's also worth noting that the Raiders have a bye next week, so they could give him extra time to rest. If Crosby remains out, Tyree Wilson figures to see an expanded role in the second half.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 19 1:40pm CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. was unable to find much success during Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Thomas was coming off a solid game in Week 6, but wasn't able to carry that momentum with him to London. He hauled in three of his seven targets for 31 yards in the blowout loss. Thomas finished third on the team in targets and really wasn't a factor in the passing game despite the Jags getting blown out. The Jags have a bye next week, so Thomas will look to bounce back against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 8.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Oct 19 1:30pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (calf, illness) was seen testing out his calf on the field ahead of Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Jacobs is viewed as a legitimate game-time decision for this contest. The plan is for the doctors to evaluate Jacobs after warmups to determine if he'll play in this game. If he sits, Emanuel Wilson would likely be in line to start this game. He would be worth a look as a streaming option if Jacobs is unable to play. Fantasy managers will likely have to wait until closer to the 4:25 ET kickoff before knowing more about Jacobs.

From RotoBaller

Jeffery Simmons Oct 19 1:20pm CT
Jeffery Simmons

Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (hamstring) is currently considered questionable to return to Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. Simmons suffered a hamstring injury while tackling Rhamondre Stevenson in the first quarter. It's unclear if he'll be able to return as hamstring issues can sometimes be tricky. Before exiting, Simmons recorded one solo tackle and one assisted tackle. If he doesn't return, T'Vondre Sweat and James Lynch would be asked to step up defensively.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Oct 19 1:10pm CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson (knee) remains on injured reserve for at least another two weeks as the Cards attempt to make do with a committee ahead of Week 7 against Green Bay. The Florida State product was a surprising addition to injured reserve after playing more than half of the Cards' Week 4 game against Seattle, though the team expects him to return this season. The team activated running back D'Ernest Johnson this week and has previously featured a rotation that has included Michael Carter, Emari Demercado, and Bam Knight. From a fantasy perspective, it's been tough to rely upon any of them with the team cycling through so many players.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Oct 19 1:10pm CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (knee) is currently considered questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. Miller suffered a knee injury that forced him to the sideline in the first half. Before exiting, Miller carried the ball one time for seven yards. If he's unable to return, Devin Neal figures to see an expanded role as the backup to Alvin Kamara. Neither back offers much value while Kamara is healthy.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Oct 19 12:50pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a long day when his team took on the Los Angeles Rams, completing just 23 of 48 passing attempts for 296 yards and one touchdown. He also ran twice for 18 yards. While Lawrence finished with more than 300 total yards, it was an ugly day for the Jags' offense in general and the quarterback specifically. Jacksonville was behind 21-0 at halftime and never really in the game. By the end of the day, Lawrence had been sacked seven times and missed on a few eyebrow-raising throws. The Jags will take a much-needed break next week before returning to the field in Week 9 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Travis Hunter Oct 19 12:40pm CT
Travis Hunter

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter found the end zone for the first time as a pro, connecting with quarterback Trevor Lawrence for a 34-yard touchdown on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams in London. In total, the rookie finished with his best offensive day in the NFL, compiling eight catches for 101 yards and a score on 14 targets. He also had one carry for no gain. Unfortunately for the Jags, they attempted 48 passes because they were getting blown out in what became a 35-7 defeat. It was nonetheless an encouraging day for fantasy managers, as Hunter led the offense in touches and earned the type of usage for which they were hoping. The Jags will look to get their act together against Las Vegas after a bye in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 19 12:30pm CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams had an excellent fantasy day on Sunday by catching five of his eight targets for 35 yards and three touchdowns in a 35-7 rout of Jacksonville. The veteran didn't do much from a yardage perspective, but created maximum value from his red-zone targets. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford found Adams for touchdowns of two, one, and one yard as L.A. dominated the game from start to finish. Playing without Puka Nacua (ankle), Adams didn't get much volume, but the Rams ran nearly as many runs as passes thanks to creating an early lead. They'll take their bye next week before playing New Orleans in Week 9.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Oct 19 12:20pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford went wild in a 35-7 beating of Jacksonville, accounting for all five L.A. touchdowns in an easy victory Sunday in London. The veteran QB finished 21-for-33 for only 182 yards, but did a ton of damage in the red zone, throwing four of his five scoring passes inside the five-yard line, three of which went to receiver Davante Adams. The Rams gained only 271 yards as a team, but controlled the game from start to finish as Stafford piled up a huge day for managers who started him. The Rams will take on New Orleans in Week 9 after a bye next week.

From RotoBaller

Cedrick Wilson Oct 19 11:20am CT
Cedrick Wilson

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. is a healthy scratch in Week 7 against the hosting Cleveland Browns on Sunday. It's the second straight week that Wilson has been a healthy scratch, and it's not a good sign for the 29-year-old's involvement in the Dolphins' offense the rest of the season with Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season. He also missed time earlier this year due to a knee injury, and he has not officially been active at all yet in his return to the Dolphins in 2025. Last year in 15 games (four starts) with the New Orleans Saints, Wilson caught 20 of his 27 targets for 211 yards and one touchdown. With Wilson being a healthy scratch again, Miami will move forward with Jaylen Waddle as its clear No. 1 receiver. Behind him will be Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, but tight end Darren Waller should be quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's No. 2 target.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Graham Oct 19 11:20am CT
Brandon Graham

Retired defensive end Brandon Graham is considering a return to the NFL. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Graham could come out of retirement and re-sign with the Philadelphia Eagles. The veteran defender would become an immediate starter on defense after the Eagles lost Za'Darius Smith to a midseason retirement. Graham appeared in 11 games last year, totaling 20 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble, but he retired after the Super Bowl. In addition to being an impact lineman, he offers veteran experience, leadership, and a proven ability to win. Schefter's report indicates that the Eagles and Graham could finalize a contract as early as this week if he officially decides to return.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 19 11:10am CT
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (chest) is active to face the Tennessee Titans on Sunday in Week 7. Diggs entered the weekend with a questionable tag due to a chest injury that kept him limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher upgraded to a full practice on Friday, though, and he's good to go against Tennessee. Kayshon Boutte and DeMario Douglas both came away with big games in last week's win over the Saints, with Diggs only going for three catches and 28 yards in Week 6. However, he had back-to-back 100-yard performances in Weeks 4 and 5, and he remains a key part of the Pats' passing attack led by improving second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Diggs currently leads the team in targets (37), catches (32), and receiving yards (387). Consider him a low-end WR2 for fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Oct 19 11:10am CT
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) has "a real chance to play" on Monday night against the Detroit Lions, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Egbuka is listed as questionable. He missed two consecutive practices before returning in a limited capacity on Saturday. While having just one limited practice and zero full practices usually makes it tough to play, it sounds like Tampa Bay is leaving the door open for the rookie sensation to suit up. He has been one of the top stories of the young season, catching 27 passes for 469 yards and five touchdowns while ranking as the overall WR6 in PPR leagues. He has shown that he can co-exist with Mike Evans (hamstring), which is good news given that Evans is also expected to return from injury in Week 7. If Evans and Egbuka both suit up, and the latter is near 100 percent, then he would rank as a fringe top-12 fantasy receiver. Schefter's report sounds optimistic, but managers should still approach this situation with caution. A Monday night kickoff leaves managers with just four teams from which they can choose a replacement receiver if Egbuka isn't able to play. Putting him in the flex spot does expand your options to include running backs and tight ends, but managers should still prepare ahead of time and ensure that they have a healthy replacement in case Egbuka doesn't play. If such a replacement option doesn't exist on the bench or on waivers, managers may be inclined to take the safe route and play a healthy Sunday starter, leaving Egbuka on the bench due to his uncertain status.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 19 11:00am CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee), who was listed as doubtful for Week 7 against the visiting Carolina Panthers, has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game. Wilson suffered a hyperextended knee in last week's loss in London to the Denver Broncos and was unable to practice all week. There is some optimism that Wilson will only have to miss one game, but it's unclear if he'll be in play to return for a Week 8 tilt next Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Wilson has been the team's clear WR1 through six weeks, so they'll have to adjust and use Josh Reynolds, Allen Lazard, Arian Smith, and Isaiah Williams if they want to win their first game of the year against Carolina. Rookie tight end Mason Taylor could easily lead the Jets in targets this week with Wilson out. It's hard to recommend Reynolds or anyone else on Sunday for a flex spot in fantasy in what has been a bad Jets passing offense this year.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 19 11:00am CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is "likely" to play in Monday's Week 7 contest against the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Evans is currently listed as questionable but continues to trend in the right direction after being a full participant in practice on Saturday. The 32-year-old has played in three of the Bucs' six games so far, catching 14 passes for 140 yards and one touchdown. He could be joined on the field by rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), who reportedly has "a real chance to play," as well. The two have shown that they can co-exist, with both ranking as strong WR2 options in their return from injuries. In addition to his fantasy outlook, all eyes are on Evans' quest for a 12th consecutive 1,000-yard season. He is 860 yards away with 11 games to go, meaning he'd need to average at least 78.2 yards per game for the rest of the year. He hasn't averaged more than 78.2 yards per game since 2019, but anything is possible in a high-powered Bucs offense that loves to throw the football.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 19 10:53am CT
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots WR Stefon Diggs (chest) is active for Week 7's game against the Tennessee Titans.

Fantasy Spin: Diggs had been listed as questionable on the injury report after logging two limited practice sessions and one full session during the week. He should see a decent number of targets this afternoon and can be deployed as a WR2 or WR3 option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Matt Judon Oct 19 10:53am CT
Matt Judon

The Miami Dolphins have declared CB Storm Duck, DB Elijah Campbell, WR Tahj Washington, LB Matt Judon, WR Cedrick Wilson, QB Zach Wilson and DT Zeek Biggers inactive for Week 7.

From TheHuddle