With Tom Brady as part of its ownership group and an experienced head coach in Pete Carroll, the Las Vegas Raiders have big ambitions for the 2025 NFL season. The New England Patriots, however, prevented the Raiders from snatching one of their best players.
On Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the Patriots officially matched the Raidersā offer sheet to linebacker Christian Elliss, securing his services for the upcoming campaign.
Mike Reiss of ESPN adds that the Patriots are handing Elliss a two-year deal, keeping him in Foxborough through the 2026 NFL season. A restricted free agent this offseason, Ellis forced the Patriots to take action after signing an offer sheet with the Raiders.
Patriots avoid losing Elliss to the Raiders
Released by the Philadelphia Eagles in December 2023 after making 19 appearances (one start) in three seasons with the team, the Idaho product immediately found a new home as New England claimed him off waivers that year.
Christian Elliss #53 of the New England Patriots reacts after a pass break up against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Elliss, who turned 26 in January, played 16 games (five starts) with the Patriots in the 2024 NFL season, taking 49 percent of defensive snaps and 60 percent of special teams reps for a career-high 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five passes defensed, and an interception.
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The Raidersā aggressive offseason
Those numbers persuaded the Raiders, but they also convinced the Patriots to make an effort to keep him for at least two more years. Now, Las Vegas may have to look at other options to improve at linebacker.
Itās been a busy offseason for the team owned by Brady, with the Raiders making interesting moves after hiring Carroll as head coach. While the trade to make Geno Smith their quarterback made the most noise, the team also made other signings, including former Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert.
