![\"Dec](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,w_4871,h_2739,x_121,y_109\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/patriots_country\/01jmkfn6fxxj434dgvyh.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe New England Patriots are being pressed to make a key decision on one of their rising defenders this NFL offseason.<\/p>\n
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Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images \/ Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n The New England Patriots did not have a whole lot to be happy about in 2024, as they went just 4-13 for the second straight season and had probably the worst roster in all of football.<\/p>\n However, the Patriots did have some silver linings, and one of them was the play of linebacker Christian Elliss.<\/p>\n Elliss stepped into a much larger role than expected for New England this past year due to injuries in the linebacking corps, finishing with 80 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and five passes defended in 16 games and five starts.<\/p>\n The 26-year-old played in 49 percent of the Pats’ defensive snaps and became much more of a regular during the second half of the season. As a matter of fact, he participated in 99 percent of the Patriots’ defensive snaps in Week 18.<\/p>\n However, Elliss is slated to hit free agency, and given his age and his rise this past year, he may draw some interest on the open market.<\/p>\n Brian Hines of Pats Pulpit feels that it is important for New England to re-sign Elliss, especially with Mike Vrabel now serving as head coach.<\/p>\n “Elliss was one of the lone bright spots on the Patriots defensive side of the football last season,” Hines wrote. “He also fits the projected mold of a Mike Vrabel linebacker due to his athletic ability. As a restricted free agent, who also brings special teams value and is still only 26 years old, it could be an easy choice to bring him back into the mix.”<\/p>\n The Pats signed Elliss in December 2023 after he was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles. He went undrafted, but landed with the Eagles in 2021 and spent two-plus seasons in Philadelphia, barely seeing any field time.<\/p>\n We’ll see if the Patriots can reach an agreement to bring him back into the fold for 2025.<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The New England Patriots did not have a whole lot to be happy about in 2024, as they went just 4-13 for the second straight season and had probably the worst ro<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":14857,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14856","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-england-patriots"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Five](\"https:\/\/media.nbcsportsboston.com\/2024\/09\/Jacoby-Brissett-USATSI_23983626.jpg?quality=85&strip=all\")
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