BREAKING: Instant grade for Patriots matching Raiders’ offer sheet for Christian Elliss

The restricted free agent will not be going anywhere, and instead remain in New England via a new two-year deal.

The New England Patriots had until Monday to decide whether or not to match the offer sheet restricted free agent linebacker Christian Elliss signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. They indeed opted to do so, keeping the 26-year-old on a two-year contract extension.

Full details of that extension are not yet available, but we know that the compensation at least meets the $4.8 million value of the Raiders’ original offer.

Let’s grade the decision.

Instant grade: Patriots match Christian Elliss’ Raiders offer sheet

Bernd Buchmasser: The Patriots clearly feel they have something in Elliss, and it is not hard to see why. He fits what they are looking for from their linebackers, and has extensive special teams experience. Matching the Raiders’ offer also was no challenge financially. | Grade: B

Matt St. Jean: Elliss flashed at times last season, and now the Patriots have some depth under contract at linebacker for the next two seasons. | Grade: C

Pat Lane: Elliss carved out a role for the Patriots last year, as he looked pretty solid in coverage as well as being a good special teams player. The hope is that, with a better scheme and coaching, that they might be able to get even more out of him this year. | Grade: C

With Elliss now definitively in the fold, the Patriots have six linebackers under contract. He is being joined by Robert Spillane, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai and Monty Rice.

What do you think about the decision to match the offer sheet, though? Do you like it? Do you not? Please head to the comment section to discuss.