The New England Patriots have opened a spot in the backfield following the 2026 NFL draft.
The organization released veteran running back Elijah Mitchell on Tuesday, according to a report from the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed.
Mitchell, 27, had circled back to Gillette Stadium to sign a futures contract after Super Bowl LX. He originally joined the practice squad in December and was released ahead of the AFC divisional round in January.
The 5-foot-10, 215-pound former Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns running back
entered the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2021 draft at No. 194 overall. From there, Mitchell totaled 1,523 rushing yards, 158 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns through 355 offensive touches while in the NFC West.
After signing a one-year pact with the Kansas City Chiefs as an unrestricted free agent in 2025, Mitchell was inactive for all but one game last campaign before clearing waivers and heading to Foxborough. His career spans 28 appearances in the regular season, including 12 starts. He has tacked on three touchdowns from scrimmage in postseason play.
After wide receiver John Jiles and tight end Marshall Lang were waived, it marks the week’s third departure from what stands as an 88-man roster, with offensive tackle Lorenz Metz exempt through the NFL’s International Player Pathway.
New England made nine selections over the course of the draft and have since agreed to 11 reported undrafted deals. At running back, the depth chart carries Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings and Lan Larison, as well as Alabama’s Jam Miller at No. 245 overall and Central Florida’s Myles Montgomery as a rookie free agent.
