A restricted free agent Elliss was tendered at the original round level by the Patriots.
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
More details have emerged about the restricted free agent offer sheet Christian Elliss signed with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The veteran linebacker, who was tendered at the right of first refusal level by the New England Patriots earlier this month, put his signature under a deal carrying a $4.842 million salary cap charge for the 2025 season, according to a report by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston. For comparison, the original tender used by the Patriots was worth $3.263 million.
Mike Vrabel and Eliot Wolf, the Patriots’ head coach and executive vice president of player personnel, respectively, have until Monday to make a decision. Either they match the Raiders’ offer to retain Elliss, or they decline and see him leave the organization without getting any compensation in return.
As of Friday, New England has around $81 million to work with, according to calculations by salary cap expert Miguel Benzan.
Elliss, 26, joined the Patriots in December 2023. An undrafted free agent out of Idaho in 2021, he had stints with the Minnesota Vikings, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles before finding his way to Foxboro.
Since arriving as a waiver claim, he has appeared in 20 games for the organization with five starts. Originally used exclusively in the kicking game, he increased his defensive contributions during the 2024 season.
Helping the team replace the injured Ja’Whaun Bentley, Elliss ended the season with a career-high 513 defensive snaps. He also registered 72 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception, while continuing to serve as a five-unit special teamer. He had eight tackles as well as one forced fumble and recovery each in the kicking game.
Entering the offseason as a restricted free agent, Elliss was tendered by the Patriots before making it to the open market. With tendered RFAs still allowed to negotiate with other clubs through April 19, he visited the Raiders earlier this week resulting in an offer being extended.
Elliss is one of five members of the Patriots’ free agents class still in limbo. Running back JaMycal Hasty, offensive lineman Lester Cotton, outside linebacker Oshane Ximines and kicker Joey Slye all remain unsigned.