Chism's contract is a cap hit that amounts to only $1.01 million in 2026, but could he be part of a trade deal?
New England Patriots undrafted rookie Efton Chism III became a fan favorite in the preseason. With footage from team practices comparing the wide receiver to Julian Edelman, it was hard not to like the kid.
However, the NFL offseason is tricky, and young players with little on-field experience can sometimes be a reason teams send them packing in a trade.
Chism managed to make the 53-man roster in 2025. Despite the preseason buzz, he was not a key factor in the Patriots' success. When receivers like Mack Hollins went down late in the season, and Kayshon Boutte sat out due to a concussion, Chism was key in the late-season wins over the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins.
The undrafted rookie caught only four passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in the Week 17 game against the Jets, while he averaged only 23.7 yards on his 19 kickoff returns.
Does his lack of use raise red flags with the media that the Patriots will trade him? For now, the answer is no.
Chism is only a $1.01 million cap hit right now. There is no real reason to move a player who has a lot of promise to stand out for the team down the road. Chism's versatility shows in his role as more than a pass catcher, with the Patriots having him field punts and return kicks.
Then there is Chism's contract, which is structured so the team can develop him over time for a more prominent role on the team. Chism's contract is a three-year deal worth $2.99 million. The contract features one of the highest guarantees for a UDFA in the team's history.
Chism had a $25,000 sign-on bonus and a guaranteed $234,000 base salary. There was a bidding war of sorts to sign Chism, as ESPN's Mike Reiss reported that Broncos head coach Sean Payton "made a strong pitch to woo Chism" to Mile High.
If the Patriots are that keen on developing Chism into a slot receiver or even something more, there's a chance they want to wait and see how they can utilize him more in 2026.
We shall see what happens.
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