The Patriots’ receiver room looks a lot deeper now, and that’s exactly why Efton Chism III is suddenly staring at an ugly roster battle.
New England enters the 2026 regular season with more confidence on offense than it had a year ago, and the offseason additions of A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs are a huge part of that. Those two sit at the top of the depth chart, and with the rest of the group already in place, the Patriots have a much stronger wideout rotation than they did before.
That depth, though, leaves little room for everyone else. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton is urging New England to move on from Chism, writing, "Even if the New England Patriots trade Kayshon Boutte ahead of final roster cuts, Efton Chism III will probably be on the outside looking in at five wide receivers ahead of him on the depth chart," Moton writes.
Brown and Doubs are clearly the top two options, but the names behind them make Chism’s path even tougher. Mack Hollins brings a veteran presence and does the unglamorous work that keeps him in the mix.
DeMario Douglas and Kayson Boutte have both shown enough in their Patriots careers to remain part of the conversation, even if either could theoretically be traded. Kyle Williams, a second-year draft pick who showed promise last season, also appears safe for now despite a somewhat uneven year.
Put it all together, and Chism looks like the No. 7 receiver at best. That’s a brutal spot to be in, especially when teams usually don’t carry seven wideouts. There’s also the possibility that he could wind up back on the practice squad after cutdowns.
For Chism to stick, something has to change. A trade would need to open a lane, or he’d have to be so good in camp and preseason that the Patriots feel forced to keep six or more receivers. Without that, the numbers just don’t work.
That’s why releasing Chism is the logical move, even if it’s an unfortunate one for a fan favorite.
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