The clock has started for one Patriots free agency decision
With the Las Vegas Raiders signing restricted free agent linebacker Christian Elliss to an offer sheet, the New England Patriots now have to decide whether or not to match.
Ahead of this year’s NFL free agency the New England Patriots tendered one restricted free agent – linebacker Christian Elliss. Elliss was tendered at the right of first refusal, meaning the Patriots have the right to match any contract offer he gets but won’t get any draft compensation if they choose not to.
After meeting with the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this week, Elliss got that offer on Wednesday. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network was the first to report the offer, but didn’t include the financial details.
The Patriots have until Monday to decide whether or not they want to match the Raiders offer. If they do they’ll get Elliss back under whatever contract the Raiders offered him. If not they’ll lose Elliss to the Raiders with no compensation.
Elliss, 26, played a career-high 513 defensive snaps for the Patriots last year. He recorded 80 tackles and five pass breakups. The Patriots first signed Elliss midway through the 2023 season – he began his NFL career as a UDFA, and played two and a half seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles before joining the Patriots.
Given his athleticism and ability in coverage, Elliss fits the mold for linebackers in Mike Vrabel’s defensive system. However the team has already added multiple players at the position this offseason, including the signing of Jack Gibbens earlier on Wednesday. Elliss and Gibbens are similar players, so the question is whether the Patriots would view both as complementary depth options, or Gibbens as Elliss’ replacement.
