The Atlanta Falcons have a ton of free agents entering the market next month, but they’re in danger of losing linebacker Kaden Elliss during the offseason. Defensive Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich brought up that it would take “more than one player” to replace the linebacker, who is coming off his best season. Elliss is set to become an unrestricted free agent next month, and ever since joining the team in 2023, the linebacker has started every regular-season game. He’s one of the most reliable veteran linebackers in the league, recording 3.5 sacks, 107 total tackles, including 10 for a loss.

Falcons Could Lose NFL Top Free Agent “Gem” Kaden Elliss

Unfortunately, the Falcons can’t retain everyone who is going to be a free agent. This means they’re more likely to lose tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Tyler Allgeier. Obviously, the Falcons will attempt to retain Elliss, but it might be hard to compensate his next contract, especially since they have standout safety Jessie Bates waiting for a new extension. It could become detrimental to the Falcons’ financial flexibility, but it’ll be interesting to see what happens in free agency.

Originally selected in the seventh-round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Idaho product should receive plenty of interest. There aren’t a lot of linebackers available that have been overlooked like Elliss. However, the Falcons are most likely rebuilding under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. This could complicate what Elliss wants in his future, which is why he could test the market and see if these three teams are interested in him.

Potential Landing Spots
Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are expected to lose linebacker Leo Chenal, and would immediately need to find a replacement. The bad news about this team is that they don’t have the financial liberty to give out monster contracts. With the current deals in Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones, it doesn’t allow the Chiefs to sign any top free agent, even if they wanted to. While they can restructure a few contracts, it will still become difficult for head coach Andy Reid and the front staff to find ways to compensate talent coming in.

While they’ll still focus on improving the offense this offseason, they can’t ignore defense. The Chiefs extended Nick Bolton last year while having Jack Cochrane waiting for a larger role. Elliss provides the Chiefs a complete reset of the position if Chenal leaves, which wouldn’t be the worst idea for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.

Los Angeles Chargers

Meanwhile, the Chargers are not expected to franchise tag star linebacker Odafe Oweh. They’re also in danger of losing fellow long-time veteran linebacker Khalil Mack to retirement. While the Chargers has ton of depth at the position, they can’t afford to get complacent here. The team has been reluctant to spend the top dollar on a defensive star since releasing Joey Bosa last offseason.

Los Angeles should at least take a look at Elliss. He isn’t going to demand the top contract as a linebacker, but it’s enough for the Chargers to afford him and become the next generational leader in this defensive pass-rush.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are hitting the complete reset this offseason. After firing Kliff Kingsbury and Joe Whitt, the Commanders have to repair the bruised linebacker room. With Bobby Wagner and Von Miller set to leave in free agency, the team signing Elliss would make sense to begin their rebuild. It doesn’t mean the Commanders won’t compete, but Elliss is an intriguing addition that can help Frankie Luvu get after the quarterback and create their own dark side of this defense.