The New Orleans Saints have been among the busiest teams in the early stages of NFL free agency. Several moves have already reshaped the roster, but one particular signing quickly captured the attention of analysts and fans across the league. As the news spread, reactions from around the NFL began to pour in.
NFL Reacts as New Orleans Saints Sign Kaden Elliss Alongside Key Free Agent Additions
The NFL community responded quickly after news emerged that the Saints had agreed to a three-year, $33 million deal with linebacker Kaden Elliss, including $23 million in guaranteed money. The move was first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and later confirmed by Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football.
Soon after the news broke, analysts began weighing in on both the signing and the Saints’ broader offseason strategy.
NFL reporter Ari Meirov highlighted the reunion on X while also pointing to the team’s busy free-agency period. He wrote: “A reunion: The #Saints are signing LB Kaden Elliss — one of the most underrated LBs in the NFL — to a three-year deal worth $33M with $23M guaranteed. Elliss is back where his career started.”
The #Saints have had a very strong free agency:
– RB Travis Etienne: 4-years, $52M
G David Edwards: 4-years, $61M
LB Kaden Elliss: 3-years, $33M
TE Noah Fant: 2-years, $8.75M
P Ryan Wright: 4-years, $14M https://t.co/7Tn5QiuB7l
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 10, 2026
Meirov also emphasized the bigger picture surrounding the Saints’ roster-building efforts. In the same thread, he listed several other moves made by the team, including the additions of running back Travis Etienne, guard David Edwards, tight end Noah Fant, and punter Ryan Wright. His comments reflected a view that the Saints have been among the more aggressive teams in free agency.
Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky offered a much shorter reaction, but one that carried a similar tone of approval. Posting on X shortly after the signing was reported, Orlovsky wrote: “The Saints are cooking.”
The Saints are cooking https://t.co/ct40rcHYho
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 10, 2026
Although brief, the comment captured the growing perception that the Saints are assembling a competitive roster during the early stages of the offseason. Moves on both sides of the ball have drawn attention across the league as New Orleans attempts to reshape its lineup.
Another reaction came from CJ Mordock, who pointed to the team’s financial flexibility and quarterback situation as key factors behind the flurry of moves. Mordock wrote: “Having the QB and cap space is playing the game on easy mode. Saints are cleaning up.”
Having the QB and cap space is playing the game on easy mode. Saints are cleaning up. https://t.co/mo98IeDff3
— CJ Mordock (@CJMordock) March 10, 2026
His comment suggested that the Saints are taking full advantage of their resources during free agency, using their cap situation and roster stability to add multiple contributors across the lineup.
James Gruter also praised the signing itself, focusing specifically on Elliss’ value as a linebacker. He wrote, “This is one of the best signings of the offseason thus far, imo. Elliss is great at every aspect of the linebacker position. This is the type of player you replace Demario Davis with. The #Saints are doing a great job!”
This is one of the best signings of the offseason thus far, imo. Elliss is great at every aspect of the linebacker position. This is the type of player you replace Demario Davis with. The #Saints are doing a great job! #NFLFreeAgency https://t.co/TIgpVShZjy
— James Gruter (@gruter_james) March 10, 2026
Gruter’s reaction underscored why the Elliss deal drew so much attention. Beyond the emotional element of bringing back a former draft pick, the signing also fills an immediate need after longtime linebacker Demario Davis agreed to a deal with the New York Jets.
Kaden Elliss’ Path From Saints Draft Pick to Atlanta Standout
Elliss, who turns 31 in July, originally entered the league as a seventh-round pick by the Saints in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Idaho. During his first four seasons with New Orleans, he was used primarily on special teams before emerging as a defensive contributor in 2022.
After leaving the Saints, he joined the Atlanta Falcons and quickly became a key part of their defense. Over three seasons with the Falcons, Elliss recorded three consecutive 100-tackle campaigns and started all 51 games he appeared in. He was also among the league leaders in defensive snaps played last season.
The Falcons also leaned on him as a pass rusher under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025, when Elliss ranked fifth in the NFL in quarterback pressure rate (17.6%) among players with at least 150 pass-rush snaps.
What Kaden Elliss’ Return Means for New Orleans Saints Defense
Elliss’ return to the Saints comes just a day after Demario Davis agreed to a deal with the New York Jets. With his experience in a similar defensive system, Elliss is widely expected to take on a major role in Brandon Staley’s defense moving forward.
The signing may also impact the Saints’ linebacker rotation. Pete Werner saw his playing time decrease last season as rookie fourth-round pick Danny Stutsman began earning more snaps.
Taken together, both the move itself and the reactions surrounding it suggest that the Saints’ aggressive offseason approach has already drawn significant attention around the NFL.
