Source: Raiders agree to 3-year deal with DT Justin Ellis

Oakland-Raiders-defensive-tackle-Justin-Ellis-(78).-(D.-Ross-Cameron/AP)

Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Justin Ellis (78). (D. Ross Cameron/AP)

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Oakland Raiders have agreed to a 3-year contract worth more than $15 million to keep defensive tackle Justin Ellis off the free-agent market.

A person familiar with the deal said Friday that Ellis will be guaranteed at least $6 million. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the signing.

Ellis was slated to become an unrestricted free agent next week before the Raiders decided to keep the stout run-stopping defensive tackle.

Ellis was originally a fourth-round pick by Oakland in 2014. He has started 41 of the 60 games he has played in four seasons with the Raiders and is strong against the run.

The Raiders still need to find a pass-rushing threat inside. Ellis has only a half-sack in his career and has 3 1/2 quarterback pressures in 327 pass-rush snaps the past two seasons, according to SportRadar.

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