Elijah Mitchell: NFL Career, Stats, Jersey Number, College, Contract and Salary

Elijah Mitchell is an American football running back known for his explosive rushing ability and his early success with the San Francisco 49ers. Selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Mitchell made an immediate impact as a rookie and became an important part of San Francisco’s running game.

Although injuries interrupted his progress, Mitchell continued his professional career with other NFL teams. In June 2026, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, adding experience to their running back group.

This article covers Elijah Mitchell’s NFL career, career statistics, jersey number, college background, contract history and salary.

Who Is Elijah Mitchell?

Elijah Mitchell is a professional American football running back who entered the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. He played college football at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he developed into a productive runner.

The 49ers selected Mitchell with the 194th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He quickly exceeded expectations by producing a strong rookie season and helping San Francisco’s offense maintain an effective ground game.

Mitchell later spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2026. His career has featured impressive rushing performances, although injuries and competition for playing time have limited his opportunities.

Elijah Mitchell NFL Profile

Mitchell’s draft history, college background and NFL career are documented in league and contract records.

Elijah Mitchell Stats: NFL Career Numbers

Elijah Mitchell’s best NFL season came in 2021, when he rushed for 963 yards and five touchdowns in 11 regular-season games. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry and established himself as a productive option in the 49ers’ offense.

His regular-season rushing statistics with San Francisco and Kansas City are summarized below.

Mitchell also contributed as a receiver, finishing his recorded NFL career totals through these seasons with 28 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdown. His ability to contribute in both phases made him a useful option when healthy.

What Is Elijah Mitchell’s Jersey Number?

Elijah Mitchell’s jersey number with the Philadelphia Eagles is No. 38, according to the team’s announcement when it signed him in June 2026.

He previously wore No. 25 with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025. Jersey numbers can change when players join new teams, so his Philadelphia number is the relevant one for his current team.

Which College Did Elijah Mitchell Attend?

Elijah Mitchell attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he played for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns from 2017 through 2020.

During his college career, he developed into one of the program’s productive running backs. The Eagles’ official profile credits him with 3,259 rushing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns, alongside 597 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns. He earned All-Sun Belt recognition during his college career and received first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2020.

His college production helped him attract NFL attention despite being selected outside the first five rounds of the draft.

Elijah Mitchell Contract Details

Mitchell signed his first NFL contract with the San Francisco 49ers after they selected him in the sixth round of the 2021 draft. His original rookie deal covered four seasons and was worth approximately $3.66 million, according to Over the Cap.

He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2025, then spent time with the New England Patriots. In June 2026, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles. After being released in August, he returned to Philadelphia’s practice squad on October 20, 2026.

His current practice-squad arrangement should not be confused with his earlier rookie contract or the one-year agreement he signed with Kansas City.

What Is Elijah Mitchell’s Salary?

Elijah Mitchell’s salary depends on the contract and team involved. Over the Cap lists his original four-year 49ers contract at approximately $3.66 million in total value. His later Chiefs agreement was listed at $2.5 million, although the contract’s headline value does not necessarily equal the money he ultimately received.

His current Eagles practice-squad salary is not confirmed by the sources cited here. Practice-squad compensation can differ from an active-roster player’s salary, so it would be misleading to present his earlier contract value as his current earnings.

Elijah Mitchell and the San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers gave Mitchell his first NFL opportunity in 2021. He responded with an impressive rookie season, rushing for 963 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games.

He followed that performance with 279 rushing yards in just five games during the 2022 season. However, injuries and limited availability affected his opportunities over the following seasons.

Across his recorded regular-season appearances with San Francisco, Mitchell rushed for 1,523 yards and nine touchdowns on 327 carries. He averaged 4.7 yards per carry, demonstrating the effectiveness he showed during his best stretches with the team.

Although Mitchell is no longer a 49ers player, his early career remains the strongest statistical part of his NFL résumé.

Elijah Mitchell Injury History and Current Team Status

Injuries have been a major challenge throughout Mitchell’s career. He missed the entire 2024 season because of a hamstring injury. He later appeared in one game for Kansas City during the 2025 season.

After signing with Philadelphia in June 2026, Mitchell suffered another setback during training camp. The Eagles placed him on injured reserve in August before he returned to the team’s practice squad on October 20.

As of October 27, 2026, the latest team transaction listed him on the Eagles’ practice squad. This does not establish that he is medically cleared to play or that he will appear in an upcoming game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Elijah Mitchell?

Mitchell was born on May 2, 1998, making him 28 years old as of October 2026.

What position does Elijah Mitchell play?

He plays running back, a position focused primarily on rushing the football and contributing as a receiver when needed.

Is Elijah Mitchell still with the 49ers?

No. He left San Francisco after the 2024 season and subsequently played for Kansas City before joining Philadelphia in 2026.

What is Elijah Mitchell’s career-high rushing total?

His best regular-season rushing total was 963 yards in 2021, his rookie year with the 49ers.

What is Elijah Mitchell’s current team?

As of October 27, 2026, Mitchell is listed on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad.

Conclusion

Elijah Mitchell built his NFL reputation with the San Francisco 49ers, delivering a standout rookie season and accumulating 1,523 regular-season rushing yards with the team. His career has since taken him to Kansas City, New England and Philadelphia.

His college production, NFL statistics and contract history show why teams have continued to consider him as a running back option. However, injuries have limited his availability, and his latest move back to the Eagles’ practice squad leaves his next on-field opportunity uncertain.