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Raiders roster move blocked by AFC rival

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Mar 25, 2025 11:03 AM ET

Throughout the last week, a saga has been brewing between the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots regarding linebacker Christian Elliss.

A restricted free agent, the Raiders brought in Elliss for a visit before signing him to an offer sheet on Friday. The Patriots had until Monday to come to a decision on whether to match the Raiders’ offer, or allow him to head to Las Vegas without any compensation in return.

On Monday, the fate of Elliss for 2025 was decided.

Christian Elliss will not be a Raider in 2025.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Patriots have matched the offer for Elliss, effectively blocking a move to the Raiders.

The #Patriots have officially matched the #Raiders’ offer sheet to LB Christian Elliss, per source. He’s staying in New England. pic.twitter.com/TQ50mljjtd

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 24, 2025

As a result of the move, the Raiders still have a question mark in the middle of their defense.

The Raiders lost both of their starting linebackers in 2024, as Robert Spillane (New England) and Divine Deablo (Atlanta Falcons) landed elsewhere as free agents. The team did sign Elandon Roberts to shore up the position, but he only fills one spot. Luke Masterson and Tommy Eichenberg are currently expected to battle for the other starting role, but neither is a proven option.

While this development is disappointing for the Raiders, Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal did open up another possibility for Elliss to arrive in Las Vegas via trade.

I wouldn’t rule out a match and trade situation where he still ends up with the @Raiders. We’ll see how it goes but that is still a possibility https://t.co/8vFSQdn8eg

— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) March 24, 2025

For both sides, such a deal does make sense. If the Raiders like what Elliss brings to the table for their defense, they can see what the Patriots would want to make a deal happen. From the other side, New England is still in a rebuild, so they at least do not lose Elliss for nothing in this case.

The Raiders are not getting Elliss, but there is a possibility that this story is far from over.

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

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