Elliss had a career year in 2022, with 78 tackles, seven sacks, two forced fumblesScott Bair

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Falcons have signed linebacker Kaden Elliss, the organization announced on Thursday.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first reported the news on Monday night.

Rapoport reported later on Monday that Elliss' contract is a three-year deal for $21.5 million, with $11 million guaranteed.

He joins defensive tackle David Onyemata as former Saints who have signed with the Falcons.

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Elliss, a seventh-round pick out of Idaho in 2019, is fresh off a career year in 2022. It was his first as a defensive regular, and he made the most of his opportunity. He finished with 78 tackles, seven sacks, 10 total quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed. He made 11 starts in 17 games. He played 632 total defensive snaps.

He's 6-foot-3, 238 pounds and played all of the Saints linebacker spots. He performed well against the run and proved a capable pass rusher within the Saints defense, where Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen was the defensive line coach. It will be interesting to see what the Falcons have in mind for this versatile, emerging talent after not playing much defense the previous two seasons.

He joins a linebacker corps featuring Troy Andersen and Mykal Walker, who is on the final year of his rookie contract. Last year's middle linebacker Rashaan Evans is currently set to become an unrestricted free agent.

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