KE #55

Kaden Elliss

Linebacker · Idaho

A seventh-round pick out of Idaho who developed into a triple-digit tackler and returned to New Orleans on a major free-agent deal.

Kaden Elliss spent his first four NFL seasons as a special-teams contributor and reserve for the Saints before breaking out with the Falcons and re-signing with New Orleans in 2026 free agency. His rise from late-round pick to core linebacker has been built on relentless tackling production.

★ All-Big Sky First Team selection at Idaho

★ Three consecutive seasons with 100-plus tackles (2023-2025)

★ Led the Falcons in tackles in both 2024 and 2025

★ Signed a three-year, $33 million deal to rejoin the Saints in 2026

Path to the league

Elliss was a four-year starter and three-time all-conference selection at Idaho, finishing with 289 tackles, 47 tackles for loss and 17 sacks over 42 games, earning All-Big Sky First Team honors as a senior. The Saints drafted him in the seventh round, 244th overall, in 2019.

Career highlights

After three seasons as a reserve and special-teamer in New Orleans, Elliss earned an expanded role in 2022, starting 11 games and posting a career-high seven sacks before signing with the Falcons. In Atlanta, he developed into one of the league's more underrated linebackers, topping 100 tackles in three straight seasons and leading the team in tackles in each of his last two years there.

2025 season recap

Elliss led the Falcons in tackles again in 2025, recording 107 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, six passes defensed and an interception over 17 games, marking his third straight season with triple-digit stops. He signed a three-year, $33 million deal to return to New Orleans in March 2026.