Denver Broncos EDGE rusher Jonah Elliss was less productive in 2025 compared to 2024, mainly because he missed time while battling multiple injuries throughout the season. He recorded 28 tackles, five tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 23 pressures, 2.5 sacks, one pass breakup, and one forced fumble across 13 regular-season games and 318 defensive snaps, the fourth-most at the position, plus six tackles, one TFL, and one pressure in the playoffs. Elliss missed four games due to a combination of rib, shoulder, and hamstring injuries.
Given his limited role and being buried in the depth chart behind Nik Bonitto, Jonathon Cooper, and Dondrea Tillman, Elliss could see reps at a new position that is currently in need of depth.
Denver Broncos’ pass rusher could see snaps at a different position in 2026
Denver Broncos, Jonah Elliss
August 9, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Jonah Elliss (52) during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
During the NFL Annual League Meeting, Sean Payton said Jonah Elliss will see some snaps at inside linebaker for depth next season, as reported by Andrew Mason of Denver Sports 104.3. This news comes as the Broncos’ inside linebacker depth weakened following the sudden release of Dre Greenlaw after one season. Elliss has dropped into coverage over 86 times through his first two seasons, since EDGE rushers occasionally drop into coverage on base defense. He also possesses above-average size at 6-foot-2 and 246 pounds, along with athleticism, as his RAS would be 9.96 if you factored in the position change.
Sean Payton: Jonah Elliss will take some snaps at inside linebacker for depth
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) March 31, 2026
Sean Payton had his brother switch positions as well in New Orleans
Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball as New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) tackles him during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) runs the ball as New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) tackles him during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
As Rachel Vigil noted, Sean Payton successfully converted his older brother, Kaden Elliss, from part-time EDGE rusher and special teamer to inside linebacker in 2022, where he recorded 78 tackles in his first year and totaled 100 tackles over the next three seasons. Kaden then spent the next three years with the Atlanta Falcons, totaling 380 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, two interceptions, 12 pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He rejoined the Saints on a three-year, $33 million contract.
Jonah Elliss ➡️ ILB?
Sean Payton is using the “Kaden Elliss Blueprint.” Payton drafted Jonahs older brother in 2019 as edge/ST; Kaden moved inside in 2022 and became a 100-tackle machine.
Jonah has the same Edge DNA with even more burst.
This could be huge for the #Broncos…
— Rachel Vigil (@heyrachelvigil) March 31, 2026