Overview

• Stevenson fumbled twice, including at the goal line, in the Patriots’ 21-14 defeat to the Steelers, part of five team turnovers.
• Vrabel said postgame that New England needs Stevenson’s playmaking but acknowledged ball-security concerns and offered no immediate decision.
• Heavy reported that releasing Stevenson would carry roughly a $12 million dead-cap charge, complicating potential roster moves.
• An OutKick opinion column urged New England to cut Stevenson and elevate rookie TreVeyon Henderson to RB1, citing the Jets’ Aaron Glenn cutting Xavier Gipson after a costly fumble as precedent.
• Context from recent seasons underscores a pattern, with Stevenson logging seven fumbles in 2024 and renewed scrutiny despite offseason emphasis on ball security.