Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Christian Elliss

The New England Patriots made a successful waiver claim on Thursday. The team acquired linebacker Christian Elliss, who was just released by the Philadelphia Eagles. Due to the Patriots playing on Thursday Night Football, Elliss will not be added to the 53-man roster until Friday.

Unfortunately for Elliss, he leaves a team that was 10-2 to join one that is 2-10. He just started his first game for the Eagles on Sunday. Philadelphia since added former All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard, who was recently released by the Colts. As a result, they needed room on the 53-man roster, and Elliss became expendable.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, six teams put in a waiver claim on Elliss. Due to the Patriots poor record, they enjoy waiver priority.

Christian Elliss was not selected in the 2021 after a successful college career playing for Idaho. He signed with the Vikings as a UDFA, but was among their final cuts. Elliss then bounced between the practice squad of Philadelphia and San Francisco, before ultimately ending up back with the Eagles. He appeared in one game as a rookie, and six in 2022. But this season Elliss has been a more significant member of the team. He has played in 15% of defensive snaps, while being a core special teams player.

The Elliss Football Family

Christian Elliss definitely comes from a football family. His father, Luther Elliss, was a first round pick of the Detroit Lions in 1995. The elder Elliss played 10 years in the NFL and was twice named to the Pro Bowl. His brother Kaden Elliss is a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons. His brother Noah is a defensive tackle on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad. And younger brother Jonah Elliss is a defense end for the University of Utah, and one of the most dominating players in college football this season. He is a potential first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The final four games of 2023 will be a good opportunity for Christian Elliss and the New England Patriots to get to know each other. Perhaps he will be part of the team’s 2024 plans, and beyond, as well.