Saints Bring Back Linebacker Kaden Elliss on Multi-Year Deal

2019 draft pick returns to New Orleans after stint with Atlanta Falcons

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent linebacker Kaden Elliss on a multi-year contract, the team announced. Elliss, a 2019 seventh-round draft pick of the Saints, returns to New Orleans after spending the past three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Why it matters

Elliss was a productive player for the Saints in his first stint with the team, and his return bolsters their linebacker corps as they look to build on a successful 2025 season. His family ties to the NFL also add an interesting personal angle to the story.

The details

In seven NFL seasons, the 6-foot-3, 238-pound Elliss has appeared in 99 games with 63 starts, recording 466 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 37 tackles for loss, and four forced fumbles. In 2025 with the Falcons, he started all 17 games and posted 107 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and one interception. During his college career at Idaho, Elliss was a three-time all-conference selection and finished with 289 tackles, 47 tackles for loss, and 17 sacks.

  • Elliss was originally drafted by the Saints in the 7th round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
  • He played for the Saints from 2019-2022 before joining the Falcons in 2023.
  • The Saints have now agreed to re-sign Elliss to a multi-year contract in 2026.

The players

Kaden Elliss

A linebacker who was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2019 and has now returned to the team after spending the past three seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Mickey Loomis

The Executive Vice President and General Manager of the New Orleans Saints.

Luther Elliss

Kaden Elliss' father, who played defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos from 1995-2004.

Christian Elliss

Kaden Elliss' younger brother, who currently plays linebacker for the New England Patriots.

Jonah Elliss

Kaden Elliss' other younger brother, who plays linebacker for the Denver Broncos.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Saints will look to integrate Elliss back into their defense as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

Elliss' return to the Saints provides continuity and experience to their linebacker corps, as the team looks to build on their success from the previous season. His family ties to the NFL also add an interesting personal element to the story.