Saints Sign $33M Linebacker From Rival Falcons

Kaden Elliss returns to New Orleans after three seasons in Atlanta.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 10:49pm

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The New Orleans Saints have signed linebacker Kaden Elliss to a three-year, $33 million contract. Elliss previously played for the Saints from 2019-2022 before spending the last three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He is returning to the Saints, where he will provide a boost to their defense.

Why it matters

The Saints are strengthening their defense by bringing back a familiar face in Kaden Elliss, who has developed into a productive linebacker during his time with the rival Falcons. This move helps the Saints compete in the NFC South division and improve their chances of making the playoffs.

The details

Elliss was originally drafted by the Saints in the 7th round in 2019. He spent his first four NFL seasons in New Orleans, where he recorded 101 combined tackles, 8 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. In 2023, he signed a 3-year, $21.5 million deal with the Falcons, where he emerged as a key defensive player, racking up 380 tackles and 12.5 sacks over the past three seasons.

  • Elliss was drafted by the Saints in 2019.
  • He played for the Saints from 2019-2022.
  • Elliss signed with the Falcons in 2023 on a 3-year, $21.5 million contract.
  • The Saints have now signed Elliss to a new 3-year, $33 million contract in 2026.

The players

Kaden Elliss

A linebacker who was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2019 and spent his first four NFL seasons with the team. He then signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 on a 3-year, $21.5 million contract, where he emerged as a productive defensive player over the past three seasons.

New Orleans Saints

The NFL team that drafted Kaden Elliss in 2019 and has now signed him to a new 3-year, $33 million contract to bring him back to their defense.

Atlanta Falcons

The NFC South rival team that Kaden Elliss played for over the past three seasons after leaving the Saints.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

Elliss will join the Saints' defense and look to build on his strong performance over the past three seasons with the Falcons. The Saints are hoping he can provide a boost to their defense as they aim to compete in the NFC South.

The takeaway

The Saints are making a significant investment in Kaden Elliss, bringing back a familiar face on defense who has developed into a productive linebacker during his time with their division rival. This move demonstrates the Saints' commitment to improving their defense and competing for a playoff spot in the NFC.