Kaden Elliss Bio
Kaden Elliss (born July 10, 1995) is an American professional football linebacker who has played in the National Football League since 2019. He is currently under contract with the Atlanta Falcons through the 2025 season after signing a lucrative three-year deal in March 2023. Elliss previously spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints, who originally selected him in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Known for his athleticism and football intelligence, Elliss has established himself as a reliable linebacker at the professional level while carrying on a distinguished family legacy in the sport.
Early Life and Background
Kaden Elliss was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Luther Elliss and Rebecca Elliss. He is one of 12 children in the Elliss family. His father, Luther Elliss, was a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions in the NFL, providing Kaden with firsthand exposure to professional football from an early age. The Elliss household was steeped in football tradition, creating a competitive and supportive environment for the children.
Elliss attended Judge Memorial Catholic High School in Salt Lake City, where he began to develop his skills as a football player. Growing up in Utah, he was immersed in a region known for producing talented athletes, and his family connections to the NFL gave him unique insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
Path to American Football
After high school, Kaden Elliss chose to continue his football career at the University of Idaho, playing for the Idaho Vandals from 2014 through 2018. His collegiate career provided him with the opportunity to develop his craft against competing programs while earning valuable game experience. During his junior season in 2017, Elliss achieved a significant milestone by earning Second-team All-Sun Belt honors, recognizing his performance as one of the top players in the conference.
The University of Idaho served as the launchpad for three of the Elliss brothers, as Christian and Noah Elliss also played football at Idaho before moving on to professional careers. This family tradition of producing football players at the college level demonstrated the strong football culture within the Elliss family and the values instilled by their parents.
Kaden Elliss Career
New Orleans Saints (2019–2022)
The New Orleans Saints selected Kaden Elliss in the seventh round with the 244th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, making him the 30th linebacker chosen in that draft class. He signed his rookie contract on May 10, 2019, a four-year deal worth $2.59 million that included a signing bonus of $76,316. During his first training camp, Elliss competed against several players for a roster spot, including Vince Biegel, Porter Gustin, Josh Martin, Darnell Sankey, and Colton Jumper. Head coach Sean Payton named Elliss the primary backup middle linebacker behind starter Alex Anzalone to begin the regular season.
Elliss suffered a knee injury in September 2019 that required placement on injured reserve, ending his rookie season prematurely. The following year, during the 2020 season, he was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list by the Saints on August 6 but was activated the following day. Over his four seasons with New Orleans, Elliss developed into a dependable member of the defensive unit, accumulating valuable experience in the Saints’ system.
Atlanta Falcons (2023–2025)
On March 13, 2023, Kaden Elliss signed with the Atlanta Falcons, agreeing to a three-year contract worth $21.50 million. The deal included $10.16 million guaranteed upon signing and a signing bonus of $5.25 million. This move represented a significant step in Elliss’s career, as he joined a Falcons team looking to strengthen its defensive roster. The substantial contract reflected the team’s confidence in his abilities and his potential to contribute immediately.
In March 2026, Elliss returned to his original NFL team, signing a three-year, $33 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. This reunion with the Saints marked a new chapter in his professional journey, demonstrating the value he had built during his time with the Falcons.
Driving Style and Strengths
As a linebacker, Kaden Elliss brings a combination of size, speed, and football intelligence to the position. His listed measurements of 6 feet 2 inches and 240 pounds give him the physical tools necessary to compete against both running backs and tight ends. Elliss has demonstrated strong instincts for reading plays and reacting quickly to offensive schemes, allowing him to make plays across the field. His tackling ability has been a consistent strength throughout his career, enabling him to bring down ball carriers efficiently.
Notable Events and Milestones
Elliss’s career has been marked by steady progression and increasing responsibilities. Being selected in the 2019 NFL Draft represented the realization of his childhood dream to play in the NFL, following in his father’s footsteps. His move to the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 represented a significant opportunity to take on a larger role with a new organization. The successful contract negotiations that followed demonstrated his growth into a valued asset in the league.
Kaden Elliss Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Kaden Elliss has established himself as a productive defender, amassing impressive statistics over six seasons. His consistent performance has made him a reliable starter at the linebacker position, contributing significantly to the defensive efforts of both the Saints and Falcons organizations.
NFL Statistics Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Elliss has recorded 481 total tackles, 20.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 14 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions across his career. These numbers reflect his versatility and ability to impact games in multiple ways, whether rushing the quarterback, defending passes, or making stops against the run. His sack production demonstrates his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, while his tackle totals confirm his reliability as a run defender. The forced fumbles highlight his knack for creating turnovers, and his pass deflections show his awareness in coverage situations.
Other Achievements
Prior to his NFL career, Elliss earned Second-team All-Sun Belt honors during his junior season at the University of Idaho in 2017. This collegiate achievement represented his first major recognition at the Division I level and provided a foundation for his professional career.
Kaden Elliss Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
The Elliss family has established itself as a football family, with multiple generations and siblings pursuing careers in the sport. Kaden’s father, Luther Elliss, played as a defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, giving Kaden and his siblings a direct connection to professional football. This family legacy has provided Kaden with guidance, mentorship, and a deep understanding of the demands required to succeed at the highest level of the sport. The Elliss household produced multiple professional football players, with Kaden and three of his brothers all reaching the NFL.
Personal Life
Kaden Elliss has three younger brothers who also play professional football. Christian Elliss and Noah Elliss both played college football at Idaho before signing with NFL teams, following a similar path to their oldest brother. Jonah Elliss, the youngest brother, played at the University of Utah before joining the Denver Broncos. Kaden is of Samoan descent, which contributes to the family’s strong athletic tradition. He has spoken publicly about his Christian faith, describing it as the most important part of his life and the foundation of who he is as a person and athlete.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked another significant chapter in Kaden Elliss’s career as he continued his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons. Entering the fourth year of his three-year contract, Elliss remained a key component of the Falcons’ defensive plans. His experience from his time in New Orleans and his growing familiarity with Atlanta’s defensive schemes positioned him as a veteran leader in the linebacker corps. The 2025 season represented an opportunity for Elliss to build on his previous production and solidify his standing as a dependable NFL linebacker.