The New England Patriots have successfully retained linebacker Christian Elliss by matching the Las Vegas Raiders’ offer sheet, securing his services through the 2026 season. This decision underscores the Patriots’ commitment to strengthening their linebacker corps as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

Elliss, 26, initially joined the Patriots in December 2023 after being claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the subsequent seasons, he has demonstrated significant growth and versatility, transitioning from a special teams contributor to a key defensive player. In the 2024 season, Elliss recorded a career-high 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five passes defensed, and one interception in 16 games, five of which he started. His performance was instrumental in the Patriots’ defensive schemes, particularly during the absence of injured linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-pats-match-raiders-offer-retain-lb-christian-elliss-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))

Prior to his tenure with the Patriots, Elliss began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. After brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and a return to the Eagles, he found a more prominent role in New England. His adaptability and growth have been notable, especially considering his transition from special teams to a starting linebacker position. ([patspulpit.com](https://www.patspulpit.com/2025/3/6/24379189/patriots-tender-christian-elliss-nfl-free-agency-2025?utm_source=openai))

The Raiders’ offer sheet, valued at $4.8 million, presented a significant opportunity for Elliss. However, the Patriots, recognizing his value and potential, chose to match the offer, ensuring his continued presence in their defensive lineup. This move reflects the team’s strategic approach to player retention and roster development. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-pats-match-raiders-offer-retain-lb-christian-elliss-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))

Looking ahead, the Patriots’ linebacker unit is poised for further enhancement. The team has made several key acquisitions during the free agency period, including the signing of linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year, $37.5 million contract. Spillane, 29, brings valuable experience from his tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he led the team with 158 tackles in the 2024 season. His addition is expected to bolster the Patriots’ defensive capabilities. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-patriots-cb-carlton-davis-agree-60m-contract-2025-03-10/?utm_source=openai))

Additionally, the Patriots have secured defensive tackle Milton Williams with a four-year, $104 million contract. Williams, 25, recently contributed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory and is anticipated to make a significant impact on the Patriots’ defensive line. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-patriots-cb-carlton-davis-agree-60m-contract-2025-03-10/?utm_source=openai))

These strategic moves highlight the Patriots’ proactive approach to building a competitive roster. By retaining key players like Elliss and adding experienced talents such as Spillane and Williams, the team aims to enhance its defensive performance in the 2025 season. The integration of these players is expected to provide depth and versatility, addressing previous gaps and positioning the Patriots as formidable contenders in the league.

As the NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the Patriots’ defensive lineup. The cohesion and performance of the linebacker unit, in particular, will be critical to the team’s success. The decisions made during this free agency period reflect a clear vision for the Patriots’ defensive strategy and their commitment to returning to championship contention.

The new England Patriots have successfully retained linebacker Christian Elliss by matching the Las Vegas Raiders’ offer sheet, securing his services through the 2026 season.This decision underscores the Patriots’ commitment to strengthening their linebacker corps as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.

Elliss, 26, initially joined the Patriots in December 2023 after being claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Eagles. Over the subsequent seasons, he has demonstrated significant growth and versatility, transitioning from a special teams contributor to a key defensive player.In the 2024 season, Elliss recorded a career-high 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five passes defensed, and one interception in 16 games, five of which he started. His performance was instrumental in the Patriots’ defensive schemes, especially during the absence of injured linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-pats-match-raiders-offer-retain-lb-christian-elliss-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))

Prior to his tenure with the Patriots, elliss began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. After brief stints with the San Francisco 49ers and a return to the Eagles, he found a more prominent role in New England. His adaptability and growth have been notable, especially considering his transition from special teams to a starting linebacker position. ([profootballrumors.com](https://www.profootballrumors.com/2025/03/raiders-sign-patriots-lb-christian-elliss-to-rfa-offer-sheet?utm_source=openai))

The Raiders’ offer sheet, valued at $4.8 million, presented a significant possibility for Elliss. However, the Patriots, recognizing his value and potential, chose to match the offer, ensuring his continued presence in their defensive lineup. This move reflects the team’s strategic approach to player retention and roster development. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-pats-match-raiders-offer-retain-lb-christian-elliss-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))

Looking ahead,the Patriots’ linebacker unit is poised for further enhancement. The team has made several key acquisitions during the free agency period,including the signing of linebacker Robert Spillane to a three-year,$37.5 million contract. Spillane, 29, brings valuable experience from his tenure with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he led the team with 158 tackles in the 2024 season.His addition is expected to bolster the Patriots’ defensive capabilities. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-patriots-cb-carlton-davis-agree-60m-contract-2025-03-10/?utm_source=openai))

Additionally, the Patriots have secured defensive tackle Milton Williams with a four-year, $104 million contract. Williams, 25, recently contributed to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory and is anticipated to make a significant impact on the patriots’ defensive line. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-patriots-cb-carlton-davis-agree-60m-contract-2025-03-10/?utm_source=openai))

These strategic moves highlight the Patriots’ proactive approach to building a competitive roster. By retaining key players like Elliss and adding experienced talents such as Spillane and Williams, the team aims to enhance its defensive performance in the 2025 season. The integration of these players is expected to provide depth and versatility, addressing previous gaps and positioning the Patriots as formidable contenders in the league.

As the NFL season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the Patriots’ defensive lineup. The cohesion and performance of the linebacker unit,in particular,will be critical to the team’s success. The decisions made during this free agency period reflect a clear vision for the Patriots’ defensive strategy and their commitment to returning to championship contention.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Christian Elliss’s contract status with the New England Patriots?

Christian Elliss signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots after they matched the Las Vegas Raiders’ offer sheet,securing his services through the 2026 season. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-pats-match-raiders-offer-retain-lb-christian-elliss-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))

How did christian Elliss perform during the 2024 NFL season?

In the 2024 season, Elliss recorded a career-high 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five passes defensed, and one interception in 16 games, five of which he started. His performance was instrumental in the Patriots’ defensive schemes, especially during the absence of injured linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley.([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-pats-match-raiders-offer-retain-lb-christian-elliss-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))

What other defensive players have the Patriots acquired during the free agency period?

During the free agency period, the patriots signed linebacker Robert spillane to a three-year, $37.5 million contract and defensive tackle Milton Williams to a four-year, $104 million contract. These acquisitions are expected to bolster the Patriots’ defensive capabilities. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/reports-patriots-cb-carlton-davis-agree-60m-contract-2025-03-10/?utm_source=openai))

How does Christian Elliss’s performance compare to other linebackers in the NFL?

While specific comparisons to other linebackers are not detailed in the provided sources, Elliss’s career-high 80 tackles and significant contributions to the Patriots’ defence in the 2024 season highlight his growing impact in the league. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-pats-match-raiders-offer-retain-lb-christian-elliss-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))

What is the significance of the Patriots matching the Raiders’ offer sheet for Elliss?

By matching the Raiders’ offer sheet, the Patriots demonstrated their commitment to retaining key defensive players and strengthening their linebacker corps, ensuring continuity and stability in their defensive lineup for the upcoming season. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/report-pats-match-raiders-offer-retain-lb-christian-elliss-2025-03-24/?utm_source=openai))