The Patriots' 2025 offseason hits a snag as a contract dispute with rookie TreVeyon Henderson looms. Can Rhamondre Stevenson step up amid the uncertainty?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just over a week before veterans are set to report for training camp, the New England Patriots' ambitious offseason plan is facing its first major tests. A contract dispute with a top draft pick and a dangerously thin offensive line are casting a shadow over an otherwise aggressive roster revamp, raising critical questions before the first whistle has even blown.
'Maybe drafting this kid gives him a little kick in the ass.' - Scott Zolak on the Rhamondre Stevenson/TreVeyon Henderson dynamic.
The most immediate fire to put out is the contract situation with second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson. The Patriots and the former Ohio State running back are reportedly at an impasse over guaranteed money, a standoff fueled by a league-wide trend sparked by the Houston Texans. With agents for second-rounders now pushing for fully guaranteed deals, there's a real possibility Henderson, a player team executive Eliot Wolf praised for his high potential, won't be on the field when camp opens. A holdout would be a significant setback, disrupting the integration of a key offensive piece from day one.
Henderson's potential absence puts even more focus on the existing running back room, particularly incumbent starter Rhamondre Stevenson. After a 2024 season that didn't meet expectations, the pressure is on. As local analyst Scott Zolak bluntly put it, the drafting of Henderson might be the 'kick in the ass' Stevenson needs. With the hard-running Antonio Gibson also in the mix, the Patriots are clearly banking on a committee approach to survive the 17-game grind, but that committee's effectiveness hinges on all its members being present, healthy, and motivated.
A dynamic backfield is a great weapon, but it's only as good as the big men paving the way—and that's where the Patriots' biggest fears lie. The offensive line is entering camp in triage. Guard Cole Strange (knee) is on the PUP list, while veteran center David Andrews (shoulder) and tackle Caeden Wallace (ankle) are on IR. To make matters worse, third-round rookie center Jared Wilson is also on an injury watch after a limited spring. This isn't just a depth problem; it's a crisis involving multiple projected starters that threatens to derail the entire offense before it even gets started.
The frustrating part for fans is that these issues are undermining what was a genuinely exciting offseason overhaul. The front office was aggressive, most notably adding four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs to a completely revamped WR room that also includes Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams. The goal was to surround the quarterback with legitimate weapons. The team also made moves to bolster the pass rush and is taking a hard look at the defensive line's depth in camp. The talent is there, but it needs the foundation of a healthy, cohesive offensive line to truly shine.
The Patriots' front office has been bold, acquiring big-name talent and high-potential rookies. But splashy signings mean little if a key draft pick isn't in camp and the offensive line can't stay on the field. All eyes now turn to the opening of training camp in just over a week. How the team navigates this rookie contract dispute and manages its injury crisis will set the tone for the entire 2025 season and determine if this aggressive overhaul was all for naught.
