The New England Patriots officially matched the Las Vegas Raiders' offer sheet to bring back linebacker Christian Elliss on Monday, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. It's not a surprise that the Patriots matched the Raiders' offer for the 26-year-old, who broke out with a career year in 2024 for the team. The former undrafted free agent out of Idaho played in 16 games (five starts) last year in his first full season in New England and stood out with 80 tackles (42 solo), 1.5 sacks, five QB hits, his first career interception, five pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. The Patriots officially re-signed Elliss to a two-year deal, so he's now under contract with the Pats through the 2026 season. While Elliss may not be an every-day starter for new head coach Mike Vrabel in 2025, he should maintain a key role in the middle of the field.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Las Vegas Raiders signed New England Patriots restricted free-agent linebacker Christian Elliss to an offer sheet on Wednesday. The Patriots will now have until Monday to match the Raiders' offer or risk losing Elliss. The 26-year-old received the right-of-first-refusal tender from the Patriots on March 8. Because he was undrafted out of Idaho, the Patriots wouldn't receive any draft compensation if they don't match the Raiders' offer sheet. In his first full season in New England in 2024, he had a career-high 80 tackles (42 solo), his first 1.5 sacks, five QB hits, his first career interception, five pass breakups, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 16 games (five starts). It was solid production for Elliss, which makes it likely that new head coach Mike Vrabel will want to keep the playmaker around.
Philadelphia Eagles third-year linebacker Christian Elliss made several highlight plays during offseason practices in the spring, including intercepting quarterback Jalen Hurts and returning it for a touchdown during 7-on-7 drills on the final day of organized team activities. The Eagles lost both of their starting linebackers in free agency this offseason, so it would be a welcome development if Elliss can contribute this year along with current projected starters Nakobe Dean and Nicholas Morrow. The 24-year-old from Idaho only recorded 14 tackles (11 solo) in seven games (zero starts) over the first two seasons of his NFL career, but he should have a much bigger role in his third year in 2023 for the Eagles defense.
Christian Elliss
• LB
•
Patriots
