Efton Chism: Everything you need to know

Chism caught three passes for 75 yards and a touchdown across eight regular-season games during the 2025 season. Chism joined the team as an undrafted free agent last May and was able to earn a spot on the active roster but saw only limited action on offense for most of the season. The 24-year-old didn't record his first reception until Week 17 and will look to earn a larger role in New England's offense during the 2026 season.

Chism (coach's decision) is a healthy inactive for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Broncos. Chism had suited up for both of the Patriots' final two games of the regular season as well as the first two contests of the postseason, but he'll sit out with New England welcoming fellow wideout Mack Hollins (abdomen) back from injured reserve for Sunday's contest in Denver. The rookie receiver had also contributed on kickoff returns during the playoffs, but those duties will likely fall to D'Ernest Johnson and Kyle Williams in the AFC Championship Game.

Chism finished the 2025 regular season with three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in eight games. Chism also logged 16 kickoff returns in that span for 383 yards. While the 24-year-old slot man, who joined the team as an undrafted rookie out of Eastern Washington, didn't make much of a statistical impact as a rookie, he's a player who figures to stick around as a depth WR/returner in 2026. Whether Chism makes more of an impact as a receiver in his second NFL campaign hinges on the team's offseason moves, but as things stand, fellow WRs Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and DeMario Douglas are under contract with New England next season.