Saints Reunite With Veteran Linebacker Kaden Elliss

New Orleans brings back former 7th-round pick on 3-year, $33M deal

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints have reportedly agreed to a 3-year, $33 million contract with veteran linebacker Kaden Elliss, who previously played his first four NFL seasons with the Saints before signing with the Atlanta Falcons. Elliss is expected to fill the void left by the departure of linebacker Demario Davis, who is set to join the New York Jets in free agency.

Why it matters

The Saints' defense struggled at times last season, so the addition of Elliss, a consistent tackler who can also contribute on special teams, should help shore up the middle of the unit. Elliss' return to New Orleans also provides continuity and familiarity within the defensive scheme.

The details

Elliss, 30, was originally drafted by the Saints in the 7th round in 2019 and played his first four NFL seasons in New Orleans before signing with the Falcons as a free agent. He recorded three straight 100-tackle seasons in Atlanta and played in over 3,000 defensive snaps. In his final year with the Saints in 2022, Elliss totaled 74 tackles and 4 forced fumbles.

  • Elliss was drafted by the Saints in the 7th round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
  • He played his first four NFL seasons with the Saints from 2019-2022.
  • Elliss signed a 3-year, $33 million contract with the Saints in March 2026.

The players

Kaden Elliss

A 30-year-old linebacker who was originally drafted by the Saints in 2019 and is now returning to the team on a 3-year, $33 million contract after spending the last 4 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Demario Davis

The Saints' starting linebacker who is set to leave the team in free agency and join the New York Jets.

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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 Reporter (Twitter)

What’s next

The Saints' reported signing of Elliss is not yet official, as free agents cannot sign contracts until the new league year begins on Wednesday at 4 PM EST. However, the deal is expected to be finalized at that time.

The takeaway

The Saints' addition of veteran linebacker Kaden Elliss is a key move to bolster their defense after the departure of Demario Davis. Elliss' familiarity with the Saints' scheme and his ability to be a consistent tackler and playmaker should help solidify the middle of New Orleans' defense as they look to compete in the NFC South in 2026.