Elliss was one of two RFAs the Patriots had to make decision on this offseason.
The New England Patriots’ pre-free agency housekeeping continues. On Thursday, the team addressed yet another member of its class of free agents: according to a report by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the team is planning to re-sign linebacker Christian Elliss.
Elliss, 26, entered the offseason as a restricted free agent. The Patriots will keep him on a right of first refusal tender at a cost of $3.263 million.
An undrafted free agent out of Idaho, Elliss started his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. After brief stints in Philadelphia and San Francisco, he returned to the Eagles late during his rookie season.
Over the next three years, he developed into a core special teamer and part-time linebacker for Philadelphia. However, after appearing in 19 games for the organization, he was waived in December 2023. The Patriots scooped him up via the waiver wire, first using him exclusively in the kicking game.
He remained a five-unit special teamer in 2024, while also increasing his defensive contributions. 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.
In addition, he had 8 special teams tackles as well as one forced fumble and recovery each.
Entering Thursday, Elliss was one of 11 Patriots free agents left unaccounted for. He and offensive linemen Lester Cotton shared the restricted free agent designation.