Patriots Reportedly Beat Out This AFC Team For Rookie Receiver

The Patriots spent on a player they wanted because said player was wanted elsewhere.

Efton Chism III, who reportedly signed the richest deal of New England’s 16 undrafted free agents, was responsible for a bidding war immediately following the 2025 NFL Draft.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported Sunday that Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos were among the other teams vying for the Eastern Washington product. Denver “made a strong pitch to woo Chism,” Reiss wrote.

Chism visited with six NFL teams on top-30 visits, including Payton’s Broncos. The Patriots did not request Chism come to Foxboro, Mass., for a top-30 visit. However, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel personally called the shifty receiver, which played a role in his decision-making, per Reiss.

According to Reiss, Chism’s three-year contract includes $234,000 in guaranteed base salary with a $25,000 signing bonus. The deal reportedly includes more guarantees than some of New England’s seventh-round draft picks.

Chism is known for breaking Cooper Kupp’s FCS record with a reception in 53 straight games. Chism, like Kupp, excelled as a slot receiver at Eastern Washington. He finished with 346 receptions for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns during his five seasons at Eastern Washington.