Latest report reveals how the Patriots beat the competition to sign UDFA that the NFL mistakenly decided not to draft

It appears there was a battle to sign undrafted free agent Efton Chism III, but in the end, the New England Patriots came out on top. 

ESPN's Mike Reiss reports that six teams hosted Chism on one of their 30 visits, but the Patriots weren't one of them. However, head coach Mike Vrabel "personally calling Chism 'made an impact on him.'" 

That combined with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' success working with and developing undersized receivers were the true selling points. 

Chism was sought after by other teams, which included the Denver Broncos. Reiss added that head coach "Sean Payton made a strong pitch to woo Chism to Denver."

However, New England gave him a three-year contract that includes $234,000 in guaranteed base salary, along with a $25,000 signing bonus, which is the biggest deal across all the Patriots' 2025 undrafted free agents. He also receives more in guarantees than New England's seventh-round picks.

Chism has drawn comparisons to star receiver Cooper Kupp, considering he broke Kupp's FCS record with a catch in 53 straight games. The two both attended Eastern Washington, and Chism finished the 2024 season with 120 receptions for 1,311 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. 

Eastern Washington Head Coach Aaron Best offers insight into what Efton Chism III brings to the table   

Reiss also spoke with Eastern Washington head coach Aaron Best, who revealed how Chism can make an impact. 

"We all know it's not where you start, it's where you end," Best told ESPN. "No one knew about Cooper Kupp 10 years ago, other than [playing in] the Big Sky Conference. Now everybody knows about Cooper Kupp when he's a Super Bowl champion and MVP of that game, and also a triple crown winner."

"Efton is not the biggest. He's not the fastest. He's not the strongest. But I will say he's most committed -- his Valentine is bigger than most people. His care of his teammates is bigger than most people. When you have a chip on your shoulder, that's real and you carry it for life," he added. "That's what he did in high school to get to college. He wasn't a highly recruited kid out of high school. No FBS offers, much like Coop.