Raiders Target Christian Elliss To Boost Linebacker Corps

The Las Vegas Raiders are making waves in the NFL as they pursue New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, looking to bolster their linebacker corps after losing key players.

Elliss, a restricted free agent, has been signed to an offer sheet by the Raiders, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The Patriots have until Monday, March 24, 2025, to decide if they will match the Raiders' offer. This move comes at a pivotal time for the Raiders, who have already seen defensive stalwart Robert Spillane depart for the Patriots, and Divine Deablo lost to injury.

"A restricted free agent is a player with three accrued seasons and an expired contract. RFAs are free to negotiate and sign with any team, but their original team can offer them one of various qualifying offers that come with the Right of First Refusal and/or draft-pick compensation, according to the NFL," Pelissero explained.

The Patriots are reportedly planning to tender Elliss at a right-of-first-refusal amount of $3.326 million, as noted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. This tender specifies that New England retains the right to match any offer sheet signed with another team, providing the Raiders an opportunity to negotiate without draft compensation tied to their offer.

During the 2024 season, Elliss amassed 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and five defended passes over 16 games, starting in five. His contributions primarily came on special teams and in situational defensive roles. At just 26 years old, the former Idaho standout still has much to offer in the league.

With Spillane's departure and Deablo's loss, the Raiders are actively seeking to fill gaps in their linebacker lineup. They have made another significant defensive addition by signing veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Roberts is known for his physical style of play and extensive special teams background, reflecting the Raiders’ strategy to bring in gritty, versatile defenders who can fulfill various roles in defensive coordinator Patrick Graham's scheme.

The Raiders are not stopping at signing Elliss and Roberts; they are also eyeing linebacker prospects in the upcoming NFL Draft. The team’s management is keen on solidifying their defense ahead of the new season, recognizing the importance of having a robust linebacker unit.

As the NFL undergoes its annual legal-tampering period, the Raiders are actively working to make strategic moves. Head coach Mike Vrabel joined the Patriots just an hour into this period, effectively underlining the competitive environment the Raiders are navigating.

In summary, the Raiders are firmly focused on strengthening their linebacker position through targeted acquisitions and potential draft picks, aiming for a more formidable defensive lineup in the 2025 season. Fans are eager to see how these changes unfold and how Elliss, if signed, will adapt to his new role.