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3 Patriots New England Can't Afford to Let Hit Free Agency in 2025

In a huge offseason for New England, the Patriots should look to keep these players around.

By Ryan Markham

Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf during the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center.
Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf during the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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2. Christian Elliss, LB

The 26-year-old Elliss had the most productive season of his career with New England this past season. Playing in 16 games and starting in 5, Elliss recorded 80 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception for the dysfunctional Patriots defense.

Playing his college football at Idaho, Elliss went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft and didn't make his NFL debut until Week 18 of the 2022 season for the Philadelphia Eagles.

After being waived by the Eagles in December 2023, the Patriots took a chance on Elliss. He signed a one-year deal with the Pats last offseason and performed well throughout the year.

Given the season-ending injury to Ja'Whaun Bentley in Week 2, Elliss stepped into the spotlight and was a surprising bright spot on the defense from there on out.

Elliss ended the year with a 72.6 overall PFF grade, which was 41st out of 189 eligible linebackers. His 80 total tackles were the 3rd-most on the Patriots behind Jahlani Tavai and Kyle Dugger.

Shortly following the Week 18 win vs. Buffalo, Elliss spoke out on the team's effort and pursuit of winning after a controversial game in which the Patriots fell from 1st to 4th in the NFL Draft selection order.

No matter what fans think about the whole draft order situation, it's easy to root for a guy like Elliss, who went through the challenges of being undrafted, being on and off practice squads, and now having his best season to date with the Patriots.

Vrabel lives for players like Elliss and it would be a real shocker if the Patriots don't bring him back in 2025.

Elliss is a restricted free agent, meaning New England can match any offer another team gives him during free agency. His asking price on a contract will be higher than ever before due to his age and performance this past season.

However, bringing back Elliss should be a priority for Eliot Wolf this offseason.

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