Kaden Elliss set to contribute to Saints’ pass rush

By Ross Jackson

One of the New Orleans Saints’ top signings may have just become even more impactful. 

Used as an off-ball (coverage) linebacker during his first stint with the Saints, linebacker Kaden Elliss appears to be on his way to an expanded role in his return to the Crescent City. 

Per ESPN’s Katherine Terrell, Elliss has several sack-related incentives built into his contract. This indicates that not only will the linebacker be a consistent contributor as an off-ball coverage player and leader, but that he will see some opportunities to contribute as a pressure generator as well. 

Kaden Elliss has incentives for 2026-2028 based on regular season sacks.

$250,000 – 5 or more
$350,000 – 6 or more
$450,000 – 8 or more
$500,000 – 9 or more
$600,000 – 11 or more
$750,000 – 12 or more

A maximum of $2.9M/season available.

Elliss’ best season is 7 sacks in 2022

— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) March 21, 2026

Over the lifespan of his three-year deal, Elliss can earn up to just shy of $10 million in incentives, but will have to clear 12 sacks in each year in order to earn the maximum. 

In any case, it’s clear that the 2019 seventh-rounder is going to have a shot at contributing as more than just an off-ball backer. 

Kaden Elliss is a Pass Rusher
The staff finding his proper role rules. pic.twitter.com/1zQnhFB5CJ

— Clint Goss (@NFLDraftDome) December 23, 2024

This would be a key development for the Saints’ offseason. The club will be in need of someone to help contribute as a pass rusher opposite defensive end Chase Young and in rotation with edge rusher Carl Granderson. 

Elliss could see early-down plays at linebacker before being able to pin his ears back on third down in the additional role. 

 The person sure to be most excited by the arrangement is Elliss himself, who refers to pass rushing as one would their first love of football. 

“(I’m a) pass rusher at heart,” Elliss said during his first press conference back in New Orleans. “That’s what I’ll always say, it’s my first position. I’ll probably play most at off-ball. Who knows? But getting to go after the quarterback is something I love.”

Should New Orleans bring back defensive end Cameron Jordan or invest highly at defensive end in this year’s NFL Draft, Elliss’s opportunities in this area will surely be impacted. But as of now, the Saints are at least prepared for the versatile defender to make plays as a pass rusher.