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.

Performance Analysis

Kaden Elliss earns a B grade as a linebacker who has emerged as one of the more productive and underappreciated defenders in the NFC South. The Saints' defender has been a tackling machine and playmaker who consistently shows up on film doing things that don't always make the highlight reel. Elliss's combination of speed, instincts, and physicality makes him a three-down linebacker who impacts the game against both the run and pass. New Orleans' defense is better when he's on the field, and his leadership has grown along with his production. The grade reflects a legitimate starting linebacker who would be valued on any roster in the league.

Fan Sentiment

A smart reunion move, with the Saints addressing their linebacker void left by Demario Davis's departure. Multiple reporters flagged this as a deliberate replacement signing, with three headlines directly connecting Elliss to Davis. The key signal is the $33M commitment — significant investment signaling genuine starter-level confidence from New Orleans. Fans are cautiously optimistic but wonder if Elliss truly replaces Davis's leadership and production. If healthy and consistent, Elliss should stabilize the Saints' linebacker corps for the next two seasons.