Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss enjoyed a strong 2025 campaign, excelling at rushing the passer while improving in coverage. He recorded 107 tackles, ten TFLs, 41 stops, 30 pressures, 21 hurries, ten quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, and one forced fumble across 17 starts. Elliss also posted one interception and a career high six pass deflections while allowing a 77% completion rate, 7.9 yards per reception, 372 passing yards, four touchdowns, a 63.0 coverage grade, and a 106.7 passer rating, per PFF.
Since his contract expired, he is set to hit free agency in March.
Atlanta Falcons aim to retain key starter
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Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
During Wednesday’s press conference, Jeff Ulbrich was asked about Kaden Elliss, who is set to become a free agent this offseason, as reported by Josh Kendall of The Athletic. The returning defensive coordinator would love to retain the star linebacker, citing his positional versatility. Ulbrich adds that replacing Elliss would require more than one player.
“I would love Kaden (Elliss) back. I think we all would. … The player that he is gave us amazing flexibility,” Ulbrich said. “To replace Kaden would take more than one human being.”
Jeff Ulbrich: “I would love Kaden (Elliss) back. I think we all would. … The player that he is gave us amazing flexibility. … To replace Kaden would take more than one human being.” Elliss is an impending free agent.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) February 11, 2026
Fans agree with Jeff Ulbrich
I’m resigning Kaden before pitts idc
— vaz 🪓 (@Vazqii1) February 11, 2026
Please get em back
— THE GRUB GOD (@CertifiedFatGuy) February 11, 2026
Resign Kaden Elliss & keep the band together
— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) February 6, 2026
Definitely
— Dizz_215_ (@215Dizz) February 6, 2026
Horrendous idea
— ATLKnowerOfBall (@ATLBama) February 11, 2026
And get less than half of Ellis’ production combined from those 2 ? Yeah makes sense.
— Tanner Massey (@TannerMassey63) February 11, 2026
Here’s a look at Spotrac’sprojected contract
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Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Contract Length: 3 years
Average Per Year: $9 million
Total Contract Amount: $27 million
Rank Among Linebackers: 18th