The New England Patriots had to make a decision on linebacker Christian Elliss in this year’s free agency, and then they had to do so a second time.
Entering the offseason as a restricted free agent, the Patriots originally tendered Elliss at the right-of-first-refusal level. That decision left the door open for other teams to come in and sign him to an offer sheet, which is exactly what the Las Vegas Raiders did.
The Patriots were then tasked with either committing to Elliss at an increased financial level, or letting him walk without gaining any compensation in return.