Kaden Elliss to lead Falcons inside linebacker group in 2025
The Atlanta Falcons spent much of their offseason revamping the outside linebacker and defensive back positions, but they used a chunk of their limited cap space to sign inside linebacker Divine Deablo in free agency. Deablo should help replace Nate Landman, who signed with the Los Angeles Rams.
Veteran linebacker Kaden Elliss will look to lead this group in 2025, with some help from Troy Andersen and JD Bertrand. Continuing with our post-draft position previews (QB, RB, WR, TE, OT, OG, C, OLB), today we break down the team’s inside linebacker units ahead of the 2025 season.
Right ILB depth chartKaden EllissJD BertrandCaleb JohnsonMalik Verdon
Elliss is the heartbeat of this group. The veteran linebacker had a career year in 2024, and will look to lead the unit as the team transitions to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. Bertrand was a fifth-round pick last year and saw the field more than much of the team’s 2024 draft class. Johnson is an experienced veteran who can add depth. Verdon is a former safety who projects as an inside linebacker.
Left ILB depth chartDivine DeabloTroy AndersenJosh WoodsNick Kubitz
The other inside linebacker job is up for grabs. The team signed free agent Divine Deablo, who should battle Troy Andersen for the starting gig. Andersen, a former second-round pick, has been solid when healthy, but he’s had trouble staying on the field. Deablo is another experienced veteran who’s impressed the coaching staff thus far at OTAs.
2025 salary cap hitsKaden Elliss: $8,500,000Divine Deablo: $4,940,000Troy Andersen: $1,942,046JD Bertrand: $1,047,506Caleb Johnson: $1,030,000Josh Woods: $1,030,000Nick Kubitz: $845,000Malik Verdon: $843,333
As you can see, the team has around $20 million in cap space going to the inside linebacker position this season. Elliss has the highest cap hit ($8.5 million), while Deablo’s cap hit is second on the team at just under $5 million. Former second-round pick Troy Andersen is due $1.94 million. Second-year linebacker JD Bertrand is fourth on the team with a cap hit of $1,047,506 this season.
Top free agents availableCJ Mosley (retired)De’Vondre CampbellEric KendricksKwon Alexander
The Falcons won’t have many options if they’re forced to look to free agency. The top two options — CJ Mosley and De’Vondre Campbell — may be done with football. Campbell’s 2024 season with the 49ers ended in controversy while Mosley just announced his retirement from the NFL. Eric Kendricks and Kwon Alexander are decent options if the team is looking to add more depth.
Predictions/expectations for 2025
This group will be interesting to watch in 2025, mainly due to Ulbrich taking over as defensive coordinator. We expect Elliss to have another big year starting in the middle. As for Deablo and Andersen, their roles will depend on the scheme Ulbrich runs. Overall, this is a talented group with good depth. The Falcons did not re-sign Nate Landman, who split time as a starter and backup over the last few seasons. Deablo should help replace Landman this year.