New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Patriots Undrafted Veteran Sends Message to Coaching Staff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Griffin Goodwyn | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 2:45 PM ET

When the New England Patriots' training camp begins in late July, the competition for the team's starting linebacker job will be one to keep a close eye on.

The Patriots' linebacker room consists of multiple veterans looking to either replenish their roles or earn one with a new team. Jahlani Tavai, the team's top tackler in 2024, leads the unit, with free agent signings Robert Spillane (from the Las Vegas Raiders) and Jack Gibbens (from the Tennessee Titans) providing additional experience to the position.

But Christian Elliss, a former undrafted free agent who has been released six times over his four-year NFL career, has put himself in a prime position to compete alongside the likes of Tavai, Spillane, and Gibbens for game reps.

"My entire life, especially my football career, it's been a fight to get to where I'm at, and to get on the field," Elliss said, via ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Elliss' professional football career began in 2021, when he signed with the Minnesota Vikings after not being selected in that year's NFL Draft. It would take nearly two years (and three total stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers) for Elliss to make an active roster late in the 2022 campaign.

He would emerge as a strong contributor on special teams the following year for the Eagles, but it was not enough to keep him around, as the franchise released him on December 6, 2023, to make room on the roster for fellow linebacker Shaquille Leonard.

The Patriots claimed Elliss off waivers the next day and saw him have his true breakthrough in 2024. Elliss was thrust into action after starting linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley suffered a season-ending injury during the second week of the season and went on to have a career year with 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, five passes defended, and one interception.

According to Reiss, Elliss entered the 2024 offseason as a restricted free agent, and the Patriots gave him a tender offer that would keep him in Foxborough for the 2025 campaign and compensate him $3.26 million. But the Raiders, in response to losing Spillane in free agency, signed Elliss to a two-year, $13.5 million offer sheet. The Patriots then matched the offer to retain him until 2026.

After a productive and life-altering offseason, which also included the birth of his third child, Elliss told Reiss that he is excited for what this season has in store.

"I'm so happy with the progress I made. Our coaches are amazing. They've been helping us get everything detailed, lined up, and knowing exactly what you have to do," Elliss said. "Every day has gotten better. That's the same feedback I've gotten from the coaches, and it's the same feedback I'd give to my teammates – just watching us come together, it's been good to see."

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

More must-reads: