BREAKING: Elijah Mitchell Joins AFC Contender 3 Days After Chiefs Release

Nov 2, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Elijah Mitchell (25) recieves a handoff from quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) in the second quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with running back Elijah Mitchell earlier this week after the back spent much of the 2025 season inactive. It was a decision indicative of a coaching staff that refused to explore depth and preferred to stay loyal to failing veterans. Mitchell was never given a true chance, playing only seven offensive snaps in the 2025 season before the two sides parted ways.

However, Mitchell didn’t have to wait long to find a new landing spot. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the former Chief has signed a practice squad deal with the New England Patriots. The fact that the Patriots wasted no time grabbing the backup while in a race for the AFC’s top seed is telling. Mitchell is respected depth, having previously rushed for 963 yards and five touchdowns in the 2021 season with the San Francisco 49ers.

While injuries and lack of opportunities have derailed his career since, there is no question about the potential value in adding the 27-year-old, who could still have a productive season or game left in the tank. For the Chiefs, the quick signing is a reminder of just how mismanaged the backfield has been throughout the 2025 season.

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While Mitchell was unlikely to be a long-term option, there was nothing to be lost by putting the veteran into the lineup. Isiah Pacheco consistently struggled, and Kareem Hunt is a short-yardage back who has limited value in the passing game. All of this adds up to leaving it a mystery as to why the Chiefs didn’t at least give Mitchell a consistent chance to provide a spark.

Now, the veteran will have a chance to fight his way onto an incredibly talented New England roster that appears poised to go on a deep January run. It is telling that the back found such a talented landing spot only days after his release. Kansas City should’ve done a better job evaluating its roster and either parted ways with Mitchell sooner or given the back a true chance.

This is a familiar frustration for a coaching staff that was far too content with mediocrity. This isn’t the type of decision-making that was in place when the dynasty began, and it must change in Kansas City’s offseason for the team to get back on top.

It will be interesting to watch Mitchell in his new landing spot and whether or not the back is able to work his way into a contributing role. With TreVeyon Henderson in concussion protocol, it opens up possible opportunity in the final two weeks of the season, giving the Chiefs a glimpse at what they might have missed.