When the Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Elijah Mitchell ahead of the 2025 season, there was an expectation that he could help out as a depth contributor. Mitchell's career had been derailed by injuries, and when previously given a real chance with the San Francisco 49ers, had proven to be a productive option. The back had 963 rushing yards in the 2021 season with five touchdowns and was a true starting option.
While this wasn't the expectation, the belief was that experience would help Mitchell carve out a role in offensive coordinator Matt Nagy's unit.
Instead, the Chiefs only afforded Mitchell seven snaps the entire 2025 season and moved on. The back was given another chance, signed to the New England Patriots' practice squad. A tenure that was short-lived as well, with the Patriots announcing on Wednesday that Mitchell has been released. New England brought in defensive end Darrell Taylor to replace the playmaker on the team's practice squad.
It makes sense from New England's perspective, with RBs TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson both playing at a high level. Add in the depth of D'Ernest Johnson, and the transaction makes even more sense. Now, it remains to be seen where the ex-Chiefs running back will go from here.
Former Chiefs RB Elijah Mitchell Released by Patriots
No matter how you slice it, Mitchell's release is truly a difficult way to start the 2026 offseason, not having any resume in the league for the past two years. He missed the entire 2024 campaign with a hamstring injury. It is very possible that Mitchell is going to need to look to the UFL or another opportunity to rebuild value.
Mitchell needs tape to prove he is deserving of an opportunity at the NFL level. Two years is a lifetime in the league, and it is simply impossible to believe he will be handed a chance without an injury or putting together a resume in a lesser league. It is a disheartening reality for a veteran who simply hasn't been healthy or given a needed opportunity.
Kansas City deserves criticism for never affording Mitchell carries despite having less-than-ideal options in the backfield. It speaks to a level of contentment with failing pieces that defined the entire 2025 season.
For Mitchell, it is a symbolic ending to what was a frustrating attempt at a comeback season. The Chiefs likely have zero interest in a reunion with Kansas City needing to add a star to the backfield and having every reason to bring back veteran Kareem Hunt as a short-yardage weapon and secondary back.
In the meantime, only time will tell if an RB-needy team is willing to roll the dice on Mitchell this offseason.