Atlanta Falcons Sign Former Saints Linebacker; Had 7 Sacks Last Season

The Atlanta Falcons have signed former New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss to a three-year contract worth $21.5 million.

The #Falcons make another big move on defense, as former #Saints LB Kaden Elliss is headed to Atlanta, sources say. With seven sacks and 78 tackles in 11 starts, he became a hot free agent. He shined in his opportunity, now cashes in.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023

Elliss enjoyed a breakout season in 2022, recording a career-high 78 tackles, seven sacks, seven tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, and two forced fumbles in 17 games, 11 of which he started.

This marked a significant increase in production compared to his previous three seasons, during which he managed just 23 tackles and one sack.

The Falcons have made a priority of addressing their defensive needs in free agency, and Elliss will be joining fellow former Saint David Onyemata on the team's roster.  

Update: #Falcons add one from their division rival, sign former #Saints LB Kaden Elliss, per @RapSheet

Elliss had 7 sacks last season. pic.twitter.com/9C7uPQp8ii

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 14, 2023

The move reunites Elliss with former Saints co-defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who is now the defensive coordinator for the Falcons.

Over his four-year career, the 27-year-old has recorded 101 total tackles, eight sacks, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and two passes defended across 48 games played, all with New Orleans.

He's a former seventh-round pick by the Saints in the 2019 NFL Draft. Photo Credit:  Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports