Grading the signing: Saints reunite with familiar face to replace LB Demario Davis and spurn a rival in the process
The Saints are bringing home a familiar face.
The New Orleans Saints are, once again, making a notable move. This time, their free agency activity will make fans even happier because rival fans are not ecstatic about the news.
After the reported deals with running back Travis Etienne, guard David Edwards, and a couple other veterans yesterday, the Saints are now addressing a defensive loss.
Saints are bringing back LB Kaden Elliss after losing Demario Davis to Jets
It didn’t take long for the Saints to get their replacement for linebacker Demario Davis. According to Nick Underhill, the Saints are signing former Atlanta Falcons LB Kaden Elliss to a three-year deal worth $33 million. The deal comes with $23 million in guaranteed money.
Of course, the Saints were Elliss’ original team coming out of college. He was drafted by New Orleans in the seventh round in 2019 and became a nice depth piece and productive defender before hitting free agency in 2023.
With the move, the Saints single-handedly improve their defense, as well as deteriorate the talent for the Falcons unit. It is a win-win scenario. Although the price may be a bit higher than people may expect, the Saints are paying for reliability and availability.
In three years with ATL, Elliss started every single game for them. That consistency will be so important for a young Saints defense.
Kaden Elliss signing GRADE: B
A to Z Sports Top-100 NFL Free Agents Ranking: #79
“Elliss is a diverse player who should be an appealing player to teams that want to blur the lines of their defensive personnel. He can play off the ball, he can rush the passer, He has 73 pressures over the last two seasons in Atlanta and projects as an impact player in a sim pressure and fire-zone heavy defensive scheme.” – Kyle Crabbs
Addition of Kaden Elliss also improves the pass rush for New Orleans
Elliss totaled 4th-most pass rush snaps for linebackers last season (19.4% win rate, 2nd of 62 qualifying). He is effective at getting to the quarterback, even from the linebacker position. IN a Brandon Staley defense where he can be moved around plenty, this fit makes a lot of sense.
The Saints could lose Cameron Jordan during free agency, so addressing the pass rush without even signing a true edge rusher so far is important. Keep in mind that Chase Young was arguably the best defender on the team in 2025.
It is also worth noting that Demario Davis played a more downhill role last season. We saw him in coverage a bit less, with more of an emphasis on coming up to stop the run or pressure the opposing QB.
Elliss is thirty years old and will be the most veteran presence in the LB room alongside Pete Werner and Danny Stutsman next season.
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