Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

New Orleans Saints: Reunite With Former 7th-Round Standout

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 8:18 PM ET

The New Orleans Saints needed to address the off-ball linebacker position, with a two-time Pro Bowler prepared to leave New Orleans and a starter potentially being on the trade block. Demario Davis signed a two-year, $22 million contract with $15 million guaranteed to rejoin the New York Jets. Meanwhile, Pete Werner is owed a guaranteed $6.25 million base salary, and the Saints could explore trading him after his role diminished despite starting 15 games.

New Orleans Saints reunite with former 7th-round standout

According to Ian Rapoport, the Saints are set to sign Kaden Elliss to a three-year, $33 million deal, with up to $39 million and $23 million guaranteed. The former seventh-round pick spent the first four seasons in New Orleans and the past three years with the Atlanta Falcons. For a quick refresher, Elliss is an excellent blitzer, with 20.5 career sacks, including a career-high seven in 2022, his last season with the Saints.

The #Saints are adding a lynchpin on defense, signing former #Falcons LB Kaden Elliss, sources say.

He gets a 3-year, $33M deal with $23M guaranteed in a deal done by agents Malki Kawa and Ethan Lock of @FirstRoundMgmt. Max value is nearly $39M. pic.twitter.com/pz1sWTmSih

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2026

Here’s a quick review of his 2025 campaign

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kaden Elliss enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, performing well at blitzing while improving in coverage. He totaled 107 tackles, ten TFLs, 30 pressures, ten quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, six pass deflections, and one forced fumble across 17 starts. The Falcons hoped to retain Elliss, but both sides were unable to reach an agreement before the tampering window opened on Monday.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: