Patriots cut ties with 27-year-old ex-49ers, Chiefs RB after NFL Draft
The New England Patriots have released running back Elijah Mitchell, a 27-year-old former San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs player, shortly after the 2026 NFL Draft. Mitchell had signed a futures contract with the Patriots in February 2026 but did not make the regular-season roster. He initially showed promise with strong rookie performance in 2021 but has struggled to maintain production since. The move marks another roster adjustment by the Patriots as they reshape their squad.
- ▪Elijah Mitchell was released by the New England Patriots after signing a futures contract in February 2026.
- ▪Mitchell played one game for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025 before being released in December of that year.
- ▪Originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Mitchell rushed for 963 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie.
- ▪The 5-foot-10, 215-pound running back spent four seasons with the 49ers before joining the Chiefs as an unrestricted free agent.
- ▪Mitchell briefly joined the Patriots' practice squad in December 2025 before being let go in January and later re-signed to a futures deal.
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