PATRIOTS FREE AGENTS: Antonio Gibson (released), D'Ernest Johnson, Deneric Prince (ERFA)
NOTABLE EXTERNAL FREE AGENTS: Kenneth Walker, Breece Hall, Travis Etienne Jr., Rico Dowdle, Tyler Allgeier, Najee Harris, J.K. Dobbins, Rachaad White, Kenneth Gainwell, Austin Ekeler, Jerome Ford
The Patriots head into the offseason with a projected one-two punch at running back that showed flashes of high-end potential during the 2025 season.
Although they didn't quite have both backs peak at the same time, veteran Rhamondre Stevenson and 2025 second-rounder TreVeyon Henderson each took turns making huge impacts. On paper, the Pats RB duo has a chance to be a thunder-and-lightning combo. Stevenson is well-rounded, but profiles as more of a lead-back between the tackles and a great pass protector on third down. Henderson, on the other hand, has game-breaking speed that translated to 11 breakaway runs during his rookie season.
Down the stretch, Stevenson's all-around skillset shined as both a ball carrier and a pass protector. Stevenson averaged 5.7 yards per carry, added +0.05 expected points, and a 26.4% forced missed tackle rate in the last eight games of the season, including playoffs – all great marks. Stevenson also graded out as one of the best pass-blocking backs in football, ranking third in Pro Football Focus pass-blocking grade last season (69.9). With one more guaranteed year on his contract extension signed in 2024, Stevenson was one of the Patriots best offensive players in the second half of the season and was a bellcow back in the playoffs.
As for Henderson, the 36th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft's breakaway run rate of 38.1% ranked behind only Dolphins RB De'Von Achane and Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs, which is pretty good company. In 2025, Henderson accumulated 1,132 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns, and was a finalist for the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, a few peak performances against the Bucs (14 carries, 147 yards, 2 TDs) and Bills (14 carries, 148 yards, 2 TDs) contributed greatly to Henderson's gaudy stats. Plus, some rookie growing pains led to Henderson's snap usage decreasing from 45.8% in the regular season to 31.4% in the postseason, with the Patriots riding Stevenson during their playoff run.
More specifically, Henderson had some struggles with his run-reads between the tackles, where he could improve at finding clean entry points and recognizing cutback lanes. Henderson also had some issues with picking up blitzes, which limited his role in the passing game, where his play speed should shine as a receiver. Although there are areas of improvement needed to hit his ceiling, the 23-year-old has all the physical tools to be a factor-back in the NFL. It's important to keep in mind that his areas of improvement are common for young running backs. Many running backs redshirt as rookies, so the fact Henderson played and contributed in his first year means his arrow is pointing upward.
As for the rest of the running back room, New England recently released veteran RB Antonio Gibson, who missed the majority of the 2025 season with a significant knee injury. The Pats have second-year RB Terrell Jennings and undrafted rookie Lan Larison under contract, with Larison spending his rookie season on injured reserve. That said, the free-agent market does have some immediate contributors if New England wants to fill its open RB3 spot.
This offseason, the free agency market is filled with mostly instant-impact backs who are short-term fixes for teams, such as Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, Jets RB Breece Hall, Panthers RB Rico Dowdle, and Jags RB Travis Etienne. However, it's not a good running back class in the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency doesn't have many long-term options either, so it seems unlikely that the Patriots will be in the market for a lead-back with Henderson and Stevenson returning. It will be interesting to see how the secondary RB market develops in a weak draft year. Teams that need immediate contributors might overpay in free agency.
Realistically, it would make sense for the Patriots to show interest in backs with skill sets similar to Gibson's, as dual-threat backs and potential kickoff returners. The few names that stand out are Steelers free-agent Kenneth Gainwell and Bucs back Rachaad White. Both are plus-players in the passing game and have experience returning kicks. Gainwell, in particular, could move the needle as a receiving back in McDaniels's offense, but again, he could be overpaid for an RB3. If those two price themselves out of the running back depth roles, the Pats could take a flier on veterans like Austin Ekeler, who might have one more season in the tank, or special-teams ace Jerome Ford, who was a kick returner in Cleveland.
Last season, the Patriots got strong contributions from Henderson and Stevenson as their top two backs. However, Gibson's injury had a domino effect on the roster, forcing New England to use practice-squad elevations on a third running back and seek kick returner options. Filling out the running back depth and possibly finding a higher-impact returner is a sneaky offseason need.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
