Over the last two seasons, the Patriots planned on running behind Rhamondre Stevenson.

Following his 2022 performance, where he ran for 1,040 yards and caught 69 passes, Stevenson was viewed as the Patriots top offensive weapon. In 2023, however, an ankle injury set Stevenson back and he finished with 619 yards in 12 games.

Last season, the Patriots again wanted to be a run-first team. Stevenson, however, struggled with ball security, leading non-quarterbacks in fumbles with seven. The veteran back finished with 801 yards in 15 games, averaging a career-low 3.9 yards per carry.

The running back isn’t going anywhere, considering the Patriots extended Stevenson last year. However, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the team did something to create more depth or competition at the position.

The team already has Antonio Gibson in the fold and another area they could improve is the third-down back position. After James White retired in 2021, that responsibility fell to Stevenson. The Patriots should look to add another pass-catching back to give Josh McDaniels another option on third down.

Here are five free agents who would help:

Alexander Mattison

If the Patriots are looking for someone to push Stevenson and Gibson, Mattison would be a solid choice. He’s been one of the better backup running backs in the NFL. The 26-year-old ran for 420 yards with four touchdowns last season. He also added 36 catches for 294 yards. Mattison has caught 136 passes and 77.3% of his targets in his six-year NFL career. He has 66 catches over the last two seasons.

Ty Johnson

Johnson knows the AFC East well. After three years with the New York Jets, he spent the last two seasons as the Buffalo Bills third down back. The 27-year-old was a reliable target for Josh Allen, who called him “the best third-down back in football.” Last year, he caught 18 of 25 passes for 284 yards. He has 111 receptions in his six-year NFL career.

Samaje Perine

Perine, 29, would give the Patriots a veteran third down back. Last year, he caught 28 passes for 322 yards with the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2023, he hauled in 50 catches with the Denver Broncos. Perine has 179 career receptions. He’s caught 84% of his targets in his 8-year NFL career.

Ameer Abdullah

When Josh McDaniels was the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, Adbullah was one of his first free-agent signings. That year, the veteran running back was the Raiders pass-catching back. Last season, Abdullah set a career-high with 40 receptions for 261 yards. He also added 311 yards on the ground. Abdullah has 203 catches in his 10-year NFL career.

Kenneth Gainwell

If the Patriots want to search for a third-down back, Gainwell would fit the bill. The 25-year-old has caught 102 passes over the last four seasons in Philadelphia. His production waned last year with Saquon Barkley on the roster. Gainwell finished with 16 catches for 116 yards to go with 290 rushing yards. He’s caught 73.9% of his targets over his NFL career. He would add competition to Gibson for a role on third down.