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.

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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.

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.

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Running back remains one of the fuller positions on the roster. Rhamondre Stevenson leads the group, joined by TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings and Lan Larison.

The team also added Jam Miller, selected with the 245th overall pick, and undrafted free agent Myles Montgomery from Central Florida.

Mitchell’s departure opens room for the younger backs to compete heading into training camp. New England appears focused on building depth at the position while giving their recent additions a chance to earn roster spots.