The New England Patriots have already restructured their coaching staff for the second consecutive offseason. Now it is time for the real work with an expected overhaul of the roster coming.
Free agency will be a key part of this process. And while adding external players to the mix will undoubtably happen with over $125 million in projected cap space, there are also a few in-house free agents to be taken care of. Following a series of moves, 14 remain in need of a new contract prior to free agency.
Among them is linebacker Christian Elliss, the next player in our free agency profile series.
After spending four seasons at the University of Idaho, where he was twice named a first-team All-Big Sky Conference selection, Elliss joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2021. His rookie year saw him bounce between the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and the San Francisco 49ers.
Elliss eventually rejoined the Eagles in November of his rookie year where he went on to find some stability. After making his pro debut later that season, Elliss went on to appear in a combined 22 regular season and playoff games for Philly until December 2023. He was then let go again which led to him latching on with New England.
Joining the Patriots in 2023, Elliss played a special teams only role for the team over the last four games of the regular season. He then resigned with the team in the offseason as an exclusive rights free agent.
Stats: 16 games (5 starts) | 513 defensive snaps (49%), 247 special teams snaps (60%) | 80 tackles (42 solo), 8 missed tackles (10.5%), 1 TFL | 6.5 quarterback pressures (1.5 sacks, 5 hits) | 1 INT, 5 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble
Season recap: Elliss started the season again as primarily a core special teamer playing just a handful of defensive snaps over the first month of the regular season. A season-ending injury to Ja'Whaun Bentley and poor play along the second-level then quickly opened the door for Elliss to see more snaps on the defensive side of the football.
In one of his first weeks in an expanded role, Elliss played 52 defensive snaps in a home win against the Jets. He showed his coverage instincts as he was around the ball several times and got home for a key third-down sack -- the first full sack of his career -- in the fourth quarter.
As a smaller, more athletic linebacker, Elliss was a useful player in coverage at the position throughout the year. He went on to tally five pass breakups and recorded his first career interception against the Colts in Week 13 on a tipped pass. Despite playing with plenty of aggressiveness, his size did restrict him in the run game at times.
What is his contract history? Elliss has signed multiple deals as he bounced around numerous teams early in his career. The deal that he carried with him to New England originally was a two-year, $1.58 million pact. Elliss then resigned with the club last year on a one-year, $985,000 deal as an ERFA.
Which teams might be in the running? Teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Rams are all expected to be in the market for linebackers this offseason. Several of those teams would also benefit from the special teams boost Elliss could provide.
Why should he be expected back? Elliss was one of the lone bright spots on the Patriots defensive side of the football last season. He also fits the projected mold of a Mike Vrabel linebacker due to his athletic ability. As a restricted free agent, who also brings special teams value and is still only 26 years old, it could be an easy choice to bring him back into the mix.
Why should he be expected to leave? Despite a career-year in an expanded role, Elliss still likely fits best in a sub linebacker role and has limitations to his game. If New England feels they can find a more talented every-down option in free agency, Elliss should not stop them from upgrading at the position.
What is his projected free agency outcome? As a restricted free agent, the Patriots retain Elliss on another low-term deal.