New Orleans Saints Executive Vice President/General Manager Mickey Loomis announced today that the club has agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent linebacker Kaden Elliss on a multi-year contract.
Elliss, 6 feet 3, 238 pounds, returns to New Orleans after being originally selected by the Saints in the seventh round (244th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Idaho. In seven NFL seasons with the Saints (2019–22) and Atlanta Falcons (2023–25), Elliss has appeared in 99 career games with 63 starts, recording 466 tackles (272 solo), 20.5 sacks, 37 stops for loss, 45 quarterback hits, two interceptions, 14 pass breakups, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 15 special teams stops. Elliss also appeared in two postseason contests with the Black and Gold (2020).
In 2025, Elliss started all 17 games for Atlanta and finished with 107 tackles (59 solo), 3.5 sacks, 10 stops for a loss, 10 quarterback hits, one interception, six pass breakups (career-best) and forced one fumble. In Elliss' first tenure with the Saints, he appeared in 48 games with 12 starts, posting 87 tackles (47 solo), eight sacks, two pass breakups and two forced fumbles. In 2022, he enjoyed a breakout campaign, starting 11 of 17 contests and recording 74 tackles (41 solo), seven sacks, two pass breakups, and two forced fumbles.
During his tenure at Idaho (2014-18), Elliss developed into one of the most productive defensive players in program history. Elliss, a four-year starter and three-time all-conference selection, finished his college career with 289 tackles, 47 stops for a loss and 17 sacks in 42 games. A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Elliss starred at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, where he was named Utah High School Athletic Association Most Valuable Player in 2013 after leading the Bulldogs to their first state championship in 30 seasons as the team's starting quarterback and defensive end.
Elliss comes from a prominent football family. His father, Luther, played defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos from 1995-2004. One younger brother, Christian, currently plays linebacker for the New England Patriots and another, Jonah, plays linebacker for the Broncos.
The New Orleans Saints announced that the club has agreed to terms with linebacker Kaden Elliss. Check out Elliss in action with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons during his NFL career.
New Orleans Saints Kaden Elliss (55) tackles Detroit Lions kick returner Jamal Agnew (39) on the opening kickoff at Ford Field, Sunday Oct. 4, 2020 in Detroit, Mich.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) is sacked by New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) in the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) reacts after sacking Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Gardner Minshew in the first half of an NFL football game in Philadelphia, Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) charges during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Nov.27, 2022, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Baltimore Ravens running back Kenyan Drake (17) is tackled by New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, in New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) pursues a play against the Seattle Seahawks during an NFL football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2022.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (15) is tackled by New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sep. 25, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C.
Houston Texans running back Royce Freeman (26) is hit by New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) after a catch during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022, in Houston.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is stopped by New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Josiah Bronson (91) and linebacker Kaden Elliss in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021.
New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) reacts to a play during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) hits Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Tampa, Fla.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) breaks up a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton (88) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sep. 7, 2025, in Atlanta.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (9) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys 27-21.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (1) is wrapped up by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Tampa, Fla.
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) tackles Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (6) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sep. 10, 2023, in Atlanta. The Atlanta Falcons won 24-10.
