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Raiders Get Bad News on Possible Roster Signing on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated Mar 24, 2025 1:23 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders have been relatively quiet in free agency after trading for quarterback Geno Smith and extending star defensive end Maxx Crosby. While the team has made no big splashes, they re-signed a handful of pivotal pieces on the defensive line and added a few high-value players on the open market.

New general manager John Spytek even sent an offer sheet to New England Patriots restricted free agent linebacker Christian Elliss, which the Patriots could match if they wanted to keep the promising young defender. They did just that on Monday morning as ESPN's Mike Reiss reported that the Patriots were matching the Raiders' offer sheet, meaning Elliss will stay in New England.

Las Vegas lost both of their starting linebackers this offseason as Robert Spillane left for the Patriots and Divine Deablo signed with the Falcons. This meant that the team needed several players at the position, and Elliss was their top target after adding veteran Elandon Roberts.

Elliss comes from a football family as his father enjoyed a lengthy NFL career and two of his brothers are currently in the NFL as well. He showed incredible promise for New England last season, racking up impressive statistics despite playing under half of the team's defensive snaps.

Now, the Raiders will have to pivot toward other options on the free agent market or in the NFL Draft. Veterans like C.J. Mosley or E.J. Speed could be intriguing, but Alabama's Jihaad Campbell may have the most upside of any prospect at the position.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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