The New England Patriots had competition to sign Efton Chism III following the 2025 NFL draft.
But the Eastern Washington product, whose three-year deal includes $259,000 in total guarantees, per OverTheCap.com, has been worth fighting for. From rookie minicamp in May to training camp in August, he has been fighting to stay.
That much is clear to Todd Downing.
“Absolute joy to work with,” the Patriots wide receivers coach told reporters prior to Monday’s practice in Foxborough. “His work ethic is second to none. A guy that understands he’s got to fight for all of his opportunities and then make the most of them when he gets them.”
Chism got them in his NFL preseason debut. Last Friday’s 48-18 win over the Washington Commanders spanned 32 offensive snaps for the undrafted slot receiver. Only linemen Ben Brown, Marcus Bryant and Demontrey Jacobs handled a larger workload on that side of the football.
That workload became a team-high six receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown across eight targets.
“It’s been the biggest blessing and the biggest honor to be here and to play in the National Football League,” a smiling Chism said during his press conference following the preseason opener at Gillette Stadium. “I don’t think – I’m not taking it for granted. I hope the guys in the locker room aren’t either. But man, we’re the 1% of the 1%, just taking that each day and opportunity that presents itself, trying to take advantage of it.”
Chism, listed at 5-foot-10, 198 pounds, has shown suddenness in and out of his breaks. But he has also shown the ability to play bigger than his frame. That’s been seen as a willing blocker. It’s been seen at the catch point and all that lies after it, too.
“I would say from the spring until now, I think he has a little bit more comfort and grasp of the offense, which helps him play faster,” said Downing. “And you’re seeing him take the next steps of playing more physical, route tops, finishing catches and things like that.”
When one yard was needed on fourth down in the preseason opener, Chism cut downhill to find a dozen, hurdling into the end zone. A short slip screen on first down wound up gaining 20 soon after. The evening also brought a look as New England’s punt returner.
“I think he’s willing to do anything, and that’s half the battle,” Downing said of the 23-year-old. “He’s certainly shown some versatility. We’ve been able to move him around from the slot to some strongside receiver stuff. But I’m just excited to watch him continue to develop and earn a role.”
The Eastern Washington career spanned five campaigns for Chism, who amassed 346 receptions for 3,852 yards and 37 touchdowns. The former Eagles captain set the school record with 120 receptions for 1,311 yards and 13 touchdowns last fall. He did so while finishing first in the country with 10 receptions per game. First-team All Big-Sky and first-team FCS All-American selections followed.
Chism currently resides on a depth chart featuring double-digit wideouts. Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, Javon Baker, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, John Jiles and Jeremiah Webb are in his company as the league’s 53-man roster deadline approaches.
For now, it’s an active 91 players.
“I love having him in the room,” added Downing. “I love having all those guys in the room. They’re all working really hard. I think Efton is a great example of a guy that – he isn’t promised any opportunities or a certain amount of reps, but when he gets in there, he’s going to take advantage of them. And as a coach, you just love to see that because it makes all the time in the meeting room worth it.”