Atlanta, Georgia (PSF) - The Atlanta Falcons went on a spending spree this offseason, nabbing a lot of defensive stalwarts to help fortify a unit that has been truly awful for the past few years. They added mostly to the front seven, but also reinforced their secondary. All levels of their defense were covered with multiple new additions, but one signing onto their defense that many are overlooking is that of linebacker Kaden Elliss. 

Elliss, who was with the Saints last season, posted seven sacks and two forced fumbles alongside 43 solo tackles from the middle linebacker position. He was a key contributor in the Saints’ fantastic defense from last season, and his addition to the Falcons finally gives them a true field general to sit in the middle of the defense and be a versatile game wrecker to help break down plays. Elliss will also be accompanied by defensive tackle David Onyemata, who also signed with Atlanta in the offseason, and was a contributor to that Saints defense as well. 

Onyemata posted five sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and 43 combined tackles last season, a full 17 games played. 

Both of these additions give the Falcons two things: consistency from two teammates, knowing each other’s playstyle and how their play bounces off of the other’s; and a solid core to build the rest of their defense around. Them alongside long-time Falcon Grady Jarrett and another signee Calais Campbell will be able to help mentor many of the younger players on the defensive side of the ball for Atlanta to be truly great. 

Additionally, signing Elliss and Onyemata takes them away from the New Orleans Saints, a division rival in the NFC South for Atlanta. Facing a loss there, the Saints become more vulnerable, and help pave the way from Atlanta’s defense and revamped offense to take them to a division title this season.