FOXBORO — The Patriots spent most of their offseason either re-signing or extending core players on their roster.

Now, running back Rhamondre Stevenson feels he’s “pretty close” to an extension with the Patriots.

Stevenson is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he’s been one of the few bright spots in an offense that’s struggled for two straight seasons. He got off to a slow start in 2023 but carried the ball 156 times for 619 yards with four touchdowns while adding 38 catches for 238 yards through the air before his season ended prematurely with a high ankle sprain.

Related Articles

How Patriots new offensive install is progressing early in minicamp

Patriots minicamp: 13 players to watch in mandatory practices

Patriots WR coach wants to let confident rookie Javon Baker be himself

Patriots young cornerback finds taking first-team reps beneficial in OTAs

Jerod Mayo doesn’t dismiss idea of Patriots adding more left tackle help

He said the negotiating a new contract hasn’t been frustrating.

“It’s just a long process. This is how the process goes,” Stevenson said. “First time going through it, but just hearing from all of the other guys. This is how it goes. It’s just a negotiation process.”

The Patriots re-signed wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, safety Kyle Dugger, tight end Hunter Henry, linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Joshua Uche and offensive tackle Mike Onwenu and extended center David Andrews and Christian Barmore this offseason.

Stevenson was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma. He has 2,265 yards on 499 carries with 14 touchdowns through three seasons with 121 catches for 782 yards with one more score.

“I will say this about Rhamondre. I think he’s one of the better backs in the league, it’s no doubt about it,” head coach Jerod Mayo said Monday. “I think over the last few years, it’s been kind of tough on him, as far as getting started. So, I’m excited to see what he does this season. And look, he’s earned everything that he gets. He is our starting running back and hopefully we do get something done.”

Mayo noted that Stevenson came into the spring lighter.

Yeah, a little bit. A little bit. And I think that bodes well for him and his speed and those long runs we expect to see in the fall,” Mayo said.

Stevenson said he made minor changes to his diet by not eating “super late at night” and doing “less snacking.”

Veteran running back Antonio Gibson has enjoyed his time with Stevenson so far since signing a three-year contract this offseason in free agency.

“It’s been good. I feel like we’ve got a great room, not just him. A complete room,” Gibson said. “I feel like everybody does something a little bit different. Right now we’re just working it in to see who does what best and how we can complement each other. I’m enjoying it.”