Elijah Mitchell

Mitchell sits behind TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Terrell Jennings, and Antonio Gibson on the Patriots depth chart. Henderson has seized the RB1 role as a rookie, leaving zero path to touches.

Mitchell's career has been significantly impacted by various injuries including shoulder, finger, concussion, knee, MCL, groin and hamstring issues. He's not been healthy and productive since 2022, when he only had 45 carries in a season halted by further health concerns.

Mitchell was released by New England Patriots before the divisional round and previously cut by Kansas City Chiefs. The 'what-have-you-done-lately' business reality makes Mitchell likely to settle for another practice squad deal if his career continues.

Mitchell has zero carries over the past two full seasons (2024-2025). His last meaningful action was 2023 (75 carries, 281 yards). Teams have repeatedly waived him, suggesting league-wide concerns about his viability.

Mitchell is RB3 or worse on the Patriots depth chart behind TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson, with Antonio Gibson and Terrell Jennings also ahead or competing. His snap share was a mere 5-52% variance driven entirely by a Henderson concussion absence — not earned opportunity.

Mitchell's depressed value makes him a potential waiver wire pickup if he lands in a backfield with injury or opportunity. Minimal cost to speculate on a role.

Mitchell might have to wait for franchises reporting to training camp before finding a preseason roster spot, when teams have clearer vision on backfield needs following free agency and draft. Minimal cost speculative add only.

Mitchell signed a futures contract with New England on Feb 11, 2026, giving him a training camp invite. This represents a minimal-cost lottery ticket if multiple injuries hit the Patriots backfield.

At 865 trade value, Mitchell costs essentially nothing to stash. If Henderson or Stevenson suffer injuries during camp/preseason, Mitchell could briefly enter the conversation for depth carries.

If both Henderson and Stevenson miss time in the same window, Mitchell could inherit a lead role for a few weeks. The Patriots are developing Drake Maye, who could support a run-heavy offense — but this scenario is too fragile to build around.

An injury wave on a thin RB roster could prompt a team to sign Mitchell as emergency depth, but at 31 and recently cut, any such role would be a short-term stop with no dynasty upside.