Patriots release veteran RB after drafting Alabama’s Jam Miller
The New England Patriots cleared space in their backfield Tuesday after wrapping up the 2026 NFL Draft. The club released veteran running back Elijah Mitchell, who signed a futures contract with New England back in February. Mitchell originally joined the Patriots practice squad in late December before getting cut in mid-January.
This marks the third roster move the team made this week. MORE: Diego Pavia gets NFL opportunity with AFC contender on 3-year deal Mitchell entered the league in 2021 when the San Francisco 49ers took him with the 194th overall pick out of Louisiana. The 5-foot-10, 215-pound back spent four seasons in San Francisco before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025.
He appeared in one game for Kansas City before the team released him in December. Over 28 career games, including 12 starts, Mitchell rushed 327 times for 1,523 yards and nine touchdowns. He also hauled in 28 catches for 158 yards and another score.
Patriots Running Back Depth Takes Shape Former San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images New England brought in nine draft picks and 11 undrafted free agents over the weekend. The team opened three roster spots in two days.
Wide receiver John Jiles and tight end Marshall Lang got waived before Mitchell’s release came through. The Patriots currently sit at 88 players. Offensive tackle Lorenz Metz does not count toward that number because of his exemption through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.