The Las Vegas Raiders are rumored to be making a significant change to their linebacker corps after the recent departures of Robert Spillane to the New England Patriots and Divine Deablo to the Atlanta Falcons. The team is eyeing Christian Elliss, a linebacker who played for the Patriots last season, and have signed him to an offer sheet. According to NFL reporter Mike Reiss, the Raiders officially started negotiations with Elliss on March 17, 2025, in hopes to bolster their ranks in a crucial position.
Christian Elliss comes from a football-rich family; his father, Luther Elliss, played for the Detroit Lions, while three of his brothers are also part of the NFL. Elliss's impressive football lineage is matched by his achievements on the field. He was a standout player at Valor Christian High School in Colorado, capping off his senior year by earning co-defensive Player of the Year honors. He then took his talents to the University of Idaho, where he made a significant impact with 266 tackles during his college career.
Despite going undrafted in 2021, Elliss began his professional career with the Minnesota Vikings. His stint there was brief, as he found it difficult to secure a lasting position. However, his fortunes changed when he joined the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad before being elevated to their active roster in 2022. During that season, Elliss logged 16 tackles over 18 games, showcasing his potential as a contributor on special teams.
In December 2023, the New England Patriots picked Elliss off waivers, and the 2024 season became a remarkable turning point for him. Elliss started five games, tallying 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble. His performance demonstrated that he could be a valuable asset to any team, especially one that is looking to reinforce its defensive lineup.
On March 19, 2025, the Raiders signed Elliss to an offer sheet worth approximately $3.326 million, a figure reflective of the right-of-first-refusal tender available for restricted free agents like him. As defined by the NFL, a restricted free agent (RFA) is a player with three accrued seasons whose contract has expired. Elliss is in a position to negotiate and sign with any team, but the Patriots maintain the right to match any offers for him, providing they do so by the deadline on March 24, 2025. The Patriots, having planned to tender Elliss at the right-of-first-refusal amount, now face a critical decision regarding whether to follow through with that plan.
Elliss, currently 26 years old, represents more than just experience; he is seen as a blend of size and speed on the field—standing at 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 231 pounds, he embodies the physical traits that NFL teams covet in linebackers. His versatility remains an attractive quality as the Raiders look to retool their defense with resilient, gritty players who fit into head coach Patrick Graham's system.
The Raiders have already started their phase of rebuilding the linebacker position. After the departure of Spillane, they signed Elandon Roberts, a veteran linebacker from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roberts, known for his physical play and special teams background, aligns with the Raiders' intention to acquire tough, durable defenders ready to contribute to every facet of the game.
With Elliss as a potential addition and the draft looming, the Raiders appear poised to make strategic moves to strengthen their defense. The addition of Elliss would not only create a swap with the Patriots—further complicating roster dynamics—but could also propel the Raiders into a more competitive position moving forward.
As the clock ticks down to the deadline for the Patriots to match the Raiders' offer, fans and analysts alike are watching closely. Will New England let a promising talent slip away, or will they do whatever it takes to retain Elliss, who has become a vital piece of their defensive puzzle?
Ultimately, the coming days will be pivotal not only for Christian Elliss but also for both the Raiders and the Patriots as they navigate this critical juncture in their respective seasons.
