Fantasy football managers are abandoning Rhamondre Stevenson at an alarming rate. During August, 62.7% of trades involving the Patriots’ running back resulted in managers shipping him elsewhere.
According to PFSN’s Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, the mass exodus reflects growing concerns about Stevenson’s declining explosiveness and the looming threat of rookie TreVeyon Henderson.
Warning Signs Point to Decline
The numbers paint a troubling picture for Stevenson heading into the 2025 season. His Elusive Rate has dropped in three consecutive seasons, according to PFSN’s analysis, suggesting his ability to break tackles and create explosive plays continues to deteriorate.
Perhaps most damning is Stevenson’s complete lack of big-play ability in recent memory. November 5, 2023, marks the last time he recorded a carry of 35 yards or longer. Since that date, 65 players, including his quarterback Drake Maye, have achieved such runs. For context, Saquon Barkley has racked up 10 carries of 35-plus yards during that same timeframe.
Rhamondre Stevenson has his first rushing touchdown of the season for the New England Patriots.
— Beyond the Monster (@BeyondtheMnstr) September 8, 2024
This absence of explosive plays represents a critical weakness for any fantasy-relevant running back. In today’s NFL, the ability to turn routine carries into game-changing moments separates the elite from the replaceable. Stevenson’s inability to generate these explosive gains limits his ceiling and makes him increasingly dependent on volume and goal-line opportunities.
Henderson Threat Looms Large
The presence of Henderson on the Patriots roster makes matters worse for Stevenson owners worse. The explosive rookie has generated significant buzz throughout training camp and preseason, positioning himself as a legitimate threat to Stevenson’s workload. Henderson’s speed and big-play ability represent everything Stevenson has been lacking, making him an attractive option for a coaching staff looking to inject life into their ground game.
Fantasy managers who initially drafted Stevenson as their RB2 or flex option are now scrambling to find alternatives. The August trading frenzy suggests savvy players recognized these warning signs early and moved to acquire more reliable options before Stevenson’s value craters completely.
The combination of declining skills, poor recent production, and emerging competition creates a perfect storm for disappointment. While Stevenson may retain some short-term relevance due to his familiarity with the system, his trajectory points toward a reduced role as the season progresses.
Fantasy managers still holding Stevenson should seriously consider following their peers’ lead and exploring trade opportunities while his name recognition still carries some value.
