Patriots clear third roster spot with running back Elijah Mitchell’s reported release

TL;DR

The New England Patriots have released running back Elijah Mitchell, clearing a roster spot after the 2026 NFL draft. Mitchell, who previously signed a futures contract, had limited playing time last season with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Key points

Elijah Mitchell released by New England Patriots
Mitchell signed a futures contract after Super Bowl LX
Mitchell had limited playing time with Kansas City Chiefs
Patriots made nine draft selections and agreed to 11 undrafted deals
Current running backs include Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson

New England PatriotsKansas City ChiefsSan Francisco 49ers

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 16: Elijah Mitchell #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High on November 16, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty Images 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 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 and tight end Marshall Lang were , it marks the week’s third departure from what stands as an 88-man roster, with offensive tackle exempt through the NFL’s International Player Pathway. made over the course of the draft and have since agreed to undrafted deals. At running back, the depth chart carries , , and , as well as Alabama’s Jam Miller at No. 245 overall and Central Florida’s Myles Montgomery as a rookie free agent.

Q&A

Why did the New England Patriots release Elijah Mitchell?

The Patriots released Elijah Mitchell to open a spot on their roster following the 2026 NFL draft.

What was Elijah Mitchell's performance in the NFL before his release?

Elijah Mitchell totaled 1,523 rushing yards, 158 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns in 28 regular season appearances.

Who are the current running backs on the Patriots' depth chart?

The Patriots' running back depth chart includes Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings, Lan Larison, and rookies Jam Miller and Myles Montgomery.

Patriots clear third roster spot with running back Elijah Mitchell’s reported release

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