Kaden Elliss

Career StatsB

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		99	481	20.5	2
2025		17	107	3.5	1
2024		17	151	5.0	1
2023		17

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Saints locked up a legitimate steal with Kaden Elliss at $11M per year, securing an above-average starter at linebacker for well below market rate in today's inflated NFL landscape. Elliss has developed into a reliable three-down player who brings both coverage ability and run-stopping prowess — exactly the type of versatile linebacker that commands $14-16M annually in free agency. At 28, he's entering his prime years with minimal wear from his journey as an undrafted free agent who worked his way up the depth chart, making this three-year window ideal for both player and franchise. The $23M in guaranteed money provides Elliss with long-term security while giving New Orleans significant protection against injury or decline, creating a win-win structure that reflects smart roster building. This B CVI represents the kind of shrewd extension that allows teams to allocate resources elsewhere while maintaining defensive continuity with a proven commodity.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Kaden's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Kaden Elliss is an eight-year veteran linebacker for the New Orleans Saints who has carved out a reliable two-down role in the middle. At 31, the former Iowa State standout has appeared in 99 career games and maintains a consistent B-grade performance profile across the last three seasons. He remains a steady, above-average tackler in a run-heavy defensive scheme, though he's not a playmaking threat capable of anchoring an elite defense. Elliss's calling card is his tackling volume—he's averaging 6.29 tackles per game this season, well above the NFL average of 2.19 and approaching elite threshold territory at 7.32. His 0.47 tackles for loss per game also sits comfortably above the league average of 0.27, demonstrating consistent downhill penetration. Pass defense has improved slightly, with 0.35 passes defensed per game exceeding the 0.18 benchmark. However, his rush production remains pedestrian at 0.21 sacks per game, a modest uptick from the 0.15 average but far below elite edge-setting standards. He's a run defender first and last, which limits his positional versatility in modern passing leagues. Looking ahead, Elliss's trajectory suggests a veteran backup or situational starter role going forward. At 31 with a three-year B-grade plateau, his ceiling appears defined—quality depth rather than anchor piece. The Saints should monitor whether his tackle volume remains sustainable or signals scheme dependency, as his pass-rush inability makes him vulnerable if defensive schemes shift more aggressive in 2025.

How Kaden Compares at the Position

Kaden Elliss ranks 47th of 339 graded linebackers by performance. That slots Kaden between Shaq Thompson (B) just ahead and Daiyan Henley (B) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Saints land a quality linebacker upgrade with Elliss on a three-year deal. Media consensus highlights him as underappreciated talent fitting Brandon Staley's defensive scheme perfectly. His PFF recognition and ESPN top-LB consideration signal legitimate above-average starter credentials. Fans view this as a shrewd, underrated acquisition bolstering New Orleans' defense. Elliss should anchor the Saints' linebacker corps and contribute immediately.