The New England Patriots selected running back TreVeyon Henderson out of Ohio State with the 38th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to a player profile from SBNation’s Pats Pultpit, Henderson is primed to be a key Patriots RB this season behind Rhamondre Stevenson, unless the trade rumors come true.
Even though the Patriots signed Stevenson to a four-year, $36 million contract in the offseason, Matthew Schmidt of the New England Patriots on Sports Illustrated wrote that Henderson has a great chance of becoming the starting Patriots RB before the end of this season.
Patriots RB coach Tony Dews said that TreVeyon Henderson is a “smart, smart football player. He understands football. He understands concepts, and we are trying to take advantage of his skill set,” Dews explained.
The Patriots are placing a high value on Henderson to become a starting halfback in the NFL. A battle is looming in New England that could lead to a major RB shakeup if Stevenson continues to struggle and Henderson performs early. The question heading into this season is, if the Patriots trade Rhamondre Stevenson, what will they get in return for a struggling RB?
GettyPatriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson became a star after rushing over 1,000 yards in 2022.
Will the New England Patriots trade Rhamondre Stevenson?
Last offseason, the Patriots signed Stevenson to a four-year, $36 million contract. After signing the extension, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report called Stevenson “the most overpaid running back in the league.”
“Rhamondre Stevenson of the New England Patriots isn’t quite making $10 million a season.” But he still got a four-year, $36 million extension last year. The question is why,” said Davenport.
Stevenson had a roaring 2022 season. He ran over 1,000 yards with five touchdowns. Compared to the 2024 season, where he ran for only 801 yards with seven touchdowns and seven fumbles, Stevenson’s inconsistency could push him out of New England sooner than expected.
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There’s also no guarantee the Patriots will allow his trade value to slip away if the right offer is made. Back in May, Michael DeVito of Musket Fire felt that Rhamondre’s current value could actually comprise a potential Patriots trade after June 1.
“He didn’t justify his big contract, and Vrabel is building a new model,” DeVito wrote. “Players who don’t live up to their end of the bargain after getting paid should be shown the door. A trade after June 1st is Vrabel’s best option.”
GettyTreVeyon Henderson was named All-Big Ten in all four of his seasons at Ohio State.
What Makes TreVeyon Henderson Special?
At Ohio State, TreVeyon Henderson ran for 1,016 yards at 7.1 yards per carry with 10 touchdowns over 16 games. He only has two fumbles in his entire college record. Henderson was also praised for his leadership, versatility, and blocking abilities at RB.
“Given his speed, ball security, and pass protection skills, the Patriots placing a high value on Henderson in the draft did not come as a surprise,” Buchmasser and Kyles wrote. “It remains to be seen how well he will adapt to life in the NFL, but his potential is enticing. His presence could have a transformative effect on the team’s offense.”
New England will at least start 2025 with Stevenson as the starting Patriots RB. Henderson will contribute as a rotational player alongside Antonio Gibson. If Rhamondre Stevenson struggles and Henderson thrives early, a Patriots trade becomes more and more likely before the deadline.
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