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For whatever reason, the New England Patriots have been a thorn in the Las Vegas Raiders’ side throughout free agency.
Three players have already made the trek eastward from Las Vegas to Foxborough during free agency. Linebacker Robert Spillane, edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson and safety Marcus Epps are all former Raiders who will play for the Patriots in 2025. It is unclear what the Patriots organization saw in the Raiders last season, but it clearly impressed them enough to acquire some of their players.
Now, according to some reports, the Raiders might be preparing for a measure of revenge.
A restricted free agent from the Patriots visited the Raiders on Monday.
According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Raiders hosted Patriots restricted free agent linebacker Christian Elliss on a visit.
#Raiders hosted Christian Elliss for visit
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 17, 2025
If the Raiders want to acquire Elliss, there are a few hoops they will have to jump through.
The Patriots tendered Elliss at the lowest level, meaning they can match any offer he receives. If they choose not to do so, however, they will not receive any compensation for losing the player. The tender applied to Elliss is worth $3.26 million in salary.
Elliss fits the mold of what the Pete Carroll-John Spytek regime have currently sought out in free agency.
Elliss has served as a depth linebacker for the Patriots over the last two seasons. In 2024, he recorded 80 tackles, one and a half sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. Elliss would fill an immediate need for the Raiders, joining former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts in replacing last year’s starting duo of Spillane and Divine Deablo.
With how many former Raiders the Patriots acquired on their roster, acquiring Elliss would serve to balance things out.
