Many thought the New England Patriots would be a fringe playoff team this season or would make it next year. Now, after Thursday Night Football in Week 11, the Pats have the best record in the league, 9-2, in head coach Mike Vrabel’s first season.
Drake Maye has taken a massive jump in progression in his second season in the league and his first season as the undisputed starter in Foxborough. Stefon Diggs is finally getting into the groove of things. The defense is finding its footing and is currently allowing the fifth fewest points this season at 18.7 points per game.
The Patriots are in win-now mode and have the pieces to make a run in the playoffs. While most players on the team don’t have playoff experience, it could prepare them for the 2026 season if the team continues to progress.
New England can prepare to think about what assets they would like to acquire or trade away and have themselves as Super Bowl contenders at the start of next season.
Running Back Named Key Trade Piece
GettyNew England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson
There was not much to cheer about the Patriots, who went 4-13 last season under former head coach Jerod Mayo.
Drake Maye wasn’t the starter at the beginning of the season, the team had the fewest sacks in the league, and failed to tank correctly, losing out on the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
But this season has been the complete reverse, as mentioned. Now, the Patriots are in a position to win for the next few seasons instead of rebuilding.
Now, the Patriots can make moves to help them return to the historic Super Winning franchise they once were.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon names fifth-year running back Rhamondre Stevenson as a valuable trade chip for the Patriots in the 2026 offseason.
“The 27-year-old still has his moments, which should be enough to draw some interest. Meanwhile, rookie second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson has emerged as the clear-cut top dog in the New England backfield,” Gagnon wrote.
Stevenson has never rushed for less than 600 yards in a season and scored less than four rushing touchdowns. He can provide immediate assistance on a team that needs a running back.
Rhamondre Stevenson No Longer The Lead Back
GettyNew England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson
Rhamondre Stevenson was the lead running back for the Patriots entering the 2025 season. He has the most experience in the league and has chemistry with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, but hasn’t performed the best this season.
He is currently second on the team in rushing yards and touchdowns, both behind the second-round rookie of the 2025 NFL draft.
Stevenson ran for 800 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns last season, and also had 7 fumbles, a career high for him. The running back has had issues keeping the ball in his arms throughout his career, with the 2024 season seeing a new high for him. In his career, he has had 17 fumbles.
The former Oklahoma running back was injured in Week 8 and has been out the past three games for the Patriots, allowing Treveyon Henderson to shine with the bulk of rushing attempts.
In those games, the 38th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft is thriving as the lead back. He has rushed for four straight games with 55 or more rushing yards and has logged 5 total touchdowns.
The biggest issue the Patriots face if they were to trade Stevenson is his contract. He is currently on a four-year, $36 million contract, with many teams likely to be iffy on a running back with fumbling troubles.
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