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4 free agents who could reunite with new Falcons DC Ryan Nielsen

By Grayson Freestone

Nov 28, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) returns an interception as Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake (13) pursues in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) returns an interception as Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake (13) pursues in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) tackles Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (11) following a reception during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kaden Elliss, OLB, New Orleans Saints

Kaden Elliss broke out in a big way for the Saints. Elliss had just one sack in his first three years in the NFL before he recorded seven sacks in his fourth season. His seven sacks would have put him as the sack leader of the Atlanta Falcons in 2022.

He is a six-foot-three, 240-pound outside linebacker who was drafted in the seventh round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Idaho.

Prior to this season, he was looking at getting paid league minimum in free agency, but suddenly he just proved to be worth more than that. Here are his stats from last season compared to his previous three seasons combined. Note: Numbers in parentheses are his combined stats from 2019 to 2021.

  • Games started: 11 (1)
  • Sacks: 7 (1)
  • QB hits: 10 (3)
  • Passes defended: 2 (0)
  • Forced fumbles: 2 (0)
  • Tackles: 78 (13)
  • Tackles for loss: 7 (1)

His jump in sacks, tackles, and tackles for loss are what stand out. If he can even get marginally better in 2023 then he is worth signing.

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