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The New England Patriots are facing a tough decision ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 regular season in the latest NFL rumors. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton projects that New England will release Chism, as the Patriots have a receiving unit logjam. The Patriots overhauled QB Drake Maye’s pass-offense, signing Romeo Doubs and trading for AJ Brown. Although Kayshon Boutte could be traded next month, Moton believes the former 2025 undrafted product will miss the final cut. Despite being a standout last offseason, the former Eastern Washington product will probably land on a practice squad: “Efton Chism III will probably be on the outside looking in at five wide receivers ahead of him on the depth chart,” Moton said. It’s an uphill battle for the receiver. The Patriots also have Mack Hollins and Kyle Williams, who are likely to make the final roster. Despite Demario Douglas seeing insignificant snaps and struggling with drops, he finished with 146 passes for 1,629 yards and six touchdowns in 48 games. He’s also facing a release, and with the Patriots now locking in the core of its receiving unit, it might be difficult to decipher what’s next for the 24-year-old. NFL Rumors: Patriots $3M WR Facing Surprise Release Before Week 1 What Could Happen A release will come, which is something the Patriots don’t want. Last season, the receiver finished the 2025 campaign with 3 receptions for 75 yards and 1 touchdown, alongside 16 kickoff returns for 383 yards, serving mainly as a special-teamer. While a cut is the likelier outcome, a team could swoop in once he clears waivers if the Patriots can’t act quickly. If New England decides to release the pass-catcher, five teams could be waiting to grab him before Week 1. Click through for the best five landing spots for the wideout: