NFL fans react to Rhamondre Stevenson's $36,000,000 extension with Patriots - "Insane overpay for a mid RB" "This is criminal"

Rhamondre Stevenson has signed a four-year $36 million contract extension with the New England Patriots. And as is all things social media, fans were quick to give their instant judgment on the matter.

Backing up a bit, the running back market has been soft for some years now as franchises have opted to invest in rookies in the position instead of giving deals to veterans. The thought has been that anyone can be bought in cheap and successfully operate in that position.

That's why fans were quick to castigate the extension on X, formerly known as Twitter. Here are some of the reactions.

Some others stood up for Rhamondre Stevenson and said that he deserves the new contract. Here are some comments from fans.

"That was so worth it"

"Great move by the Patriots. Easily a top-12 back"

"steal"

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Why did the Patriots give Rhamondre Stevenson a new contract?

One might ask, given some of the reactions on social media, why the Patriots were willing to give Rhamondre Stevenson a new deal. And it comes down to some basic considerations.

They have a new coach after more than two decades with the departure of Bill Belichick and the elevation of Jerod Mayo. They have a new quarterback after the departure of Mac Jones. Ezekiel Elliott, one of their veteran running backs last season, has also left the organization.

There's already too much upheaval without wanting to create any more. With a rookie quarterback in Drake Maye, the offense needs some stability and Rhamondre Steveson provides that.

Secondly, the market has moved a bit this year. The likes of Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley got on new teams this offseason and Christian McCaffrey showed his worth for the 49ers last season. Proven caliber in the running back position is being valued a little more than the previous year.

Also, Rhamondre Stevenson's record speaks for itself. In three seasons, he has rushed for more than 3,000 yards, which puts him at more than 1,000 yards a season.

That's the kind of consistency that a franchise needs from its players to succeed. Giving a running back $36 million over four years when quarterbacks earn more than that in a year does not sound like a bad deal, especially for the duration when your own quarterback is starting his rookie deal.

All in all, it looks like a safe, low-risk bet by the Patriots. Now, over to the player to prove his critics on social media wrong.