Raiders lose out on chance to add linebacker coming off career season

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, right, is brought down by New England Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, left, in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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Grades for all 11 players drafted by the Raiders

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Draft Day 3 preview: With 6 more picks, Raiders have big opportunity

By Vincent Bonsignore / Las Vegas Review-Journal

March 24, 2025 - 10:32 am

Updated March 24, 2025 - 2:14 pm

The Raiders lost out on a chance to fill a linebacker need Monday.

The Patriots matched the Raiders’ offer sheet for restricted free agent Christian Elliss, paving the way for the linebacker to rejoin the team.

New England had until Monday to match the offer.

There is a chance that the teams could work out a trade and Elliss ends up with the Raiders.

Elliss had a career-high 80 tackles last season and provided solid pass coverage with an interception and five pass breakups.

Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on X.

Hill: A 310-pound wildcat QB? Raiders draft versatile class

By Adam Hill / RJ

April 26, 2025 - 7:53 pm

The Raiders aren’t going to make national headlines with their draft class, but it was clear they had a plan and executed it by identifying versatility and elite traits.

Grades for all 11 players drafted by the Raiders

By Adam Hill / RJ

April 26, 2025 - 6:57 pm

Here are the 11 players selected by the Raiders in the NFL draft, with analysis, grades and potential roles for each one during his rookie season.

Raiders send message by waiting to draft QB — this is Geno Smith’s job

By Vincent Bonsignore / RJ

April 26, 2025 - 7:45 pm

The Raiders wrapped up their first NFL draft under John Spytek and Pete Carroll with an 11-player class, including quarterback Cam Miller of North Dakota State.

Draft Day 3 preview: With 6 more picks, Raiders have big opportunity

By Vincent Bonsignore / RJ

April 25, 2025 - 10:14 pm

There are still plenty of good players left for the Raiders to sort through on the final day of the NFL draft on Saturday.

Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) takes part in passing drills during Colorado's NFL foo ...

Raiders pass several times on chance to draft Shedeur Sanders

By Adam Hill / RJ

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Raiders general manager John Spytek, when asked Friday about drafting a quarterback, said: “So far, it hasn’t fallen our way with the evaluations we’ve had.”

Raiders’ 2nd-round pick lives dream for himself, late brother

By Vincent Bonsignore / RJ

April 25, 2025 - 10:11 pm

The Raiders drafted TCU wide receiver Jack Bech, whose brother, Tiger, was among 14 people killed in a terrorist attack early on New Year’s Day in New Orleans.

Raiders welcome ‘rolling ball of knives’ Jeanty to backfield

By Adam Hill / RJ

April 25, 2025 - 6:23 pm

Running back Ashton Jeanty arrived in Las Vegas on Friday for the first time as a member of the Raiders, who took him with the sixth pick in the NFL draft.

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Shedeur Sanders to the Raiders after all? Don’t count it out

By Vincent Bonsignore / RJ

April 25, 2025 - 6:00 am

Shedeur Sanders was not selected in the first round of the NFL draft, and he still could be available when the Raiders pick in the second round Friday.

Hill: Talent aside, Jeanty might have been wrong pick for Raiders

By Adam Hill / RJ

April 25, 2025 - 9:59 am

Ashton Jeanty is a phenomenal player whose character might be more impressive than the highlight reels he created at Boise State. But none of that means he was the right pick for the Raiders on Thursday.

Raiders look to revive run game, pick ‘perfect player’ in 1st round

By Vincent Bonsignore / RJ

April 24, 2025 - 9:50 pm

The Raiders, for the second straight year, bucked conventional wisdom in the first round of the NFL draft. They can only hope they get the last laugh again.