Feb. 27, 2026, 6:03 a.m. ET
The Atlanta Falcons are headed for free agency with some key decisions to make, especially on defense. While the team placed its franchise tag on tight end Kyle Pitts, Atlanta must decide what to do with other free agents, including linebacker Kaden Elliss.
Elliss has been extremely valuable on defense since signing with the Falcons in 2023, but Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham did not make it seem like re-signing the versatile linebacker was a priority.
“He is a guy we are obviously evaluating and thinking there are a lot of linebackers in this market,” Cunningham said of Elliss. “I feel like we have to really look at our cap situation and our roster moving forward.”
If Elliss does not return, the Falcons will need Divine Deablo to play an even bigger role in 2026. The former Raiders linebacker signed a two-year, $14 million contract with the Falcons in 2024, and despite a lack of fanfare, Deablo thrived in Jeff Ulbrich’s defense last season.
Deablo’s versatility was on display, and similar to Elliss, he did a little bit of everything. Pro Football Focus released its final linebacker rankings from the 2025 NFL season and Deablo came in at No. 12 with an overall grade of 77.7.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
“Deablo made his first season in Atlanta his best yet,” wrote PFF’s Mason Cameron. “He earned the fourth-highest PFF overall grade (89.2) among linebackers through the first six games before fracturing his forearm. Upon his return, Deablo couldn’t quite reach that same level, while likely still dealing with the injury. However, his early-season returns when healthy point to a promising outlook.”
Last season, Deablo appeared in 13 total games. When the Falcons defense was healthy, Deablo was arguably the most impactful player. He finished the season with 73 tackles (39 solo), one sack and seven passes defended.
Regardless of who the Falcons add in the draft and free agency, Deablo will be back to lead this linebacker unit in 2026.
