FOXBORO — During the Patriots’ monthlong layoff between spring practice and the start of training camp, Rhamondre Stevenson put pen to paper on a four-year, $36 million extension that included $17 million guaranteed.

The new contract was a weight lifted for the fourth-year running back, who had been preparing to enter the fourth and final year of his rookie deal.

“I was glad,” Stevenson said Wednesday after Day 1 of camp. “I didn’t want that really on my shoulders going into this season, so I’m glad my agent and the GM got that done, and I’m glad I’m a Patriot for five more years.”

He added: “It’s a relief because I didn’t want that stress on my last year. Now I’m just playing ball.”

Though a December injury limited his production last year, Stevenson has been arguably the Patriots’ best offensive player for the last several seasons. Since arriving as a fourth-round draft pick in 2021, the 26-year-old has amassed 3,047 yards from scrimmage and 15 total touchdowns, including a 1,000-yard rushing season in 2022.

Stevenson was the first Patriots-drafted running back to receive a second contract from the team since James White. And given the team’s questions elsewhere on offense — especially along the offensive line and at wide receiver — he’ll likely play a starring role again this season under new coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

“(It says that they) just trust me, Stevenson said. “They believe in me, and that gives me more confidence, honestly, just knowing the work that I’ve been putting in is paying off.”

Locking up Stevenson was the continuation of an offseason trend for the Patriots’ new brain trust, led by first-year head coach Jerod Mayo and executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf.

In the months since Mayo and Wolf ascended to their current roles, the list of veteran players the Patriots have extended or re-signed includes Stevenson, center David Andrews, offensive lineman Mike Onwenu, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, tight end Hunter Henry, safety Kyle Dugger, defensive tackle Christian Barmore and linebackers Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings and Jahlani Tavai.

Stevenson said the Patriots’ new emphasis on rewarding key contributors has helped motivate the locker room.

“Definitely. I makes us all want to work harder,” he said. “I don’t want to speak for everybody, but playing for the Patriots, it’s a great organization, so I wouldn’t imagine anyone wanting to leave. So, yeah, it gives people hope that they could continue their career here.”