NFL free agency officially opens on March 10, but the New England Patriots are already making moves to keep some players on the roster. New England are working to retain a key linebacker before potentially losing him to free agency.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots have given Christian Elliss the right of first refusal tender, which comes with a $3.626 million salary for the 2025 NFL season.
However, this move doesn’t wholly secure Elliss’ future in New England. Other teams can still sign the 26-year-old linebacker to an offer sheet by offering the right of first refusal tender. The Patriots can match that offer but would receive no compensation if they choose not to.
Elliss was claimed off waivers by the Patriots midway through the 2023 season. Since then, he has showcased his versatility, contributing to defense and special teams.
In 2024, the Idaho Vandals product played 16 games for New England, starting five. He recorded 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
Elliss went undrafted in the 2021 NFL Draft but was signed by the Minnesota Vikings. He didn’t see any regular-season action with the Vikings and later spent time on the practice squads of the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, making his NFL debut with the Eagles in the 2022 season.