Christian

Elliss

Elliss will remain with the Patriots after the team opted to match the Raiders’ offer to the restricted free agent. Elliss was a key member of the Patriots’ defense last season, starting in five of the 16 games he appeared in while racking up 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and five pass breakups. He also forced one fumble and picked off one pass. It was the best season of Elliss’ four-year career. He should have plenty of opportunities to contribute to Mike Vrabel’s new-look defense next season.

Elliss was a restricted free agent this year and the Patriots assigned him the right of first refusal tender. That means they get to match the Raiders’ offer to keep Elliss in town but don’t receive any draft picks if they let him go. New England signed linebacker Jack Gibbens earlier today, possibly signaling their intent to let the Raiders have Elliss. The Pats have until Monday to decide.

The Patriots can match any offer that Elliss receives as he has been given the right of first refusal tender. Elliss started five games for the Patriots last year, making 42 solo tackles and defending five passes. He finished with a pretty solid 72.6 PFF defensive grade. The Raiders could be looking to get the Patriots back for the Robert Spillane signing. However, the Raiders would likely have to craft a pretty creative and/or exorbitant contract for the Patriots to not match.

The Pats cut Montgomery to make room for linebacker Christian Elliss. They claimed Elliss off waivers after the Eagles cut him earlier this week. Montgomery got a few snaps at backup running back over the past few weeks. That role will now fall to JaMychal Hasty. Given Montgomery’s specials teams utility, he should be able to find a new team or at least a practice squad soon.