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](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45073148/new-england-patriots-undrafted-rookie-efton-chism-iii-cooper-kupp) 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.
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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](https://goeags.com/sports/football/roster/efton-chism-iii/9205) during his five seasons at Eastern Washington.
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images