The New England Patriots have undergone a massive renovation in free agency, using their loaded cap space to improve on both sides of the ball, especially on the defensive side. Since Mike Vrabel took over as head coach, he has shifted the defense to fit his scheme and vision for a competitive team, signing players he or defensive coordinator Terrell Williams has had prior experience with.
One of the changes to the Patriots defense that Vrabel and Williams have implemented is having lighter linebackers that are tackle machines and can run sideline-to-sideline, rather than heavier, run-stopping linebackers. One example is the signing of Robert Spillane, who was third in total tackles last season (158).
The Patriots are trying to construct a faster, more athletic defense, as last year they were statistically one of the worst defenses in the league, finishing last in both sacks (28) and tackles for loss (62). Although they have depth at the linebacker position, they’re on the verge of losing key defender, Christian Elliss, to the Las Vegas Raiders
Raiders Sign Christian Elliss to an Offer Sheet
The Raiders signed Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss to an offer sheet. The contract would be for one year, $3.26 million. The Patriots have until Monday to either match the offer or let him walk.
Before free agency, the Patriots tendered Elliss at the lowest level, meaning that they wouldn’t receive any compensation if Elliss were to leave. With the Patriots' recent signing of Jack Gibbens, who played for Vrabel in Tennessee, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots don’t match the Raiders offer.
Elliss started his career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021, playing three years with the Eagles before being picked up off of waivers by the Patriots in December of 2023.
Elliss has been a rotational linebacker for the majority of his career but saw an increase in his role after Ja’Whaun Bentley went down with injury. Elliss had a career year last season, starting in five games where he had 80 combined tackles, one and a half sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble.
Whether for the Patriots or the Raiders, Elliss has shown he can be a valuable defender, showcasing his skills as a run defender and ability to drop back in pass coverage.