The San Francisco 49ers have initiated a quiet but calculated approach in their offseason efforts to bolster one of the most critical areas of their defense: linebacker depth. According to a report by ESPN senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler on March 8, 2026, the 49ers have shown interest in signing veteran free agent linebacker Kaden Elliss. This interest comes as part of their broader strategy to maintain a formidable defense under new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
Background: The Morris-Elliss Connection
Raheem Morris, who was hired by the 49ers as defensive coordinator in 2026, brings with him an intimate knowledge of Kaden Elliss's abilities. Elliss spent his first NFL seasons (2023 to 2025) with the Atlanta Falcons, during which Morris served first as the team's head coach and then took on a defensive coordinator role. This prior working relationship means Morris is well aware of Elliss's on-field traits, work ethic, and fit in a defensive scheme, making Elliss a natural target as the 49ers research potential signings to improve depth.
The connection with Morris is a key component of the 49ers' interest. Bringing in a player familiar with Morris's terminology and expectations is advantageous, particularly as Morris implements his defensive philosophy in San Francisco. Elliss's experience under Morris's tutelage could allow for a smoother transition and immediate contribution.
Who is Kaden Elliss?
Kaden Elliss, aged 29, is a versatile linebacker known for his adaptability and special teams prowess. After being selected in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints out of the University of Idaho, Elliss played a rookie season in New Orleans predominantly on special teams. His career took a step forward when joining the Falcons in 2023 alongside Morris, where he earned more playing time and showcased his hybrid linebacker skill set.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing around 240 pounds, Elliss combines the ability to hold the edge against the run and drop into coverage--a modern requirement for linebackers tasked with defending increasing pass-heavy offenses. His statistical peak came in the 2025 season with the Falcons, where he posted career highs in tackles, tackles for loss, and contributed as a situational pass rusher and coverage defender.
Elliss is known for his reliability on special teams, flexibility to play multiple linebacker roles (off-ball linebacker and situational edge), and his locker room presence. Though not a star starter like Fred Warner or Dre Greenlaw, Elliss is regarded as a capable and valuable depth player who can step in without a significant drop-off.
The 49ers' Linebacker Group and Depth Needs
The 49ers' linebacker corps is anchored by All-Pro middle linebacker Fred Warner, whose leadership and sideline-to-sideline skill are vital to the defense. Outside of Warner, Dre Greenlaw has been a strong presence at weak-side linebacker when healthy, but his 2025 season was curtailed by injuries, revealing depth vulnerabilities.
Behind these top two, the 49ers have had rotating role players and special teams contributors such as Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles supplying reliable but unspectacular depth. The team has been seeking additional veterans capable of filling rotational snaps and contributing on special teams, especially in the hybrid SAM linebacker position, which requires versatility in pass-rushing and coverage.
Elliss fits the profile of a valuable mid-tier linebacker who could provide insurance at this position. His previous starting experience, combined with his knowledge of Morris's system, could make him a stabilizing presence if injuries arise. Moreover, his special teams expertise aligns with the 49ers' organizational emphasis on sound special teams performance as a key component of a successful roster.
Financial and Contract Considerations
At 29 years old and coming off productive seasons but not as a high-profile starter, Elliss is expected to be a value signing in free agency. His potential contract would likely be short-term and modest, fitting the 49ers' salary cap strategy while addressing a specific depth need without jeopardizing resources for re-signing core players or pursuing marquee free agents.
Such controlled investments in veteran role players are consistent with past 49ers personnel decisions aimed at building a championship-caliber roster that blends star power with dependable and knowledgeable depth.
Potential Challenges and Competition
While the 49ers have expressed interest, Elliss will attract attention league-wide as a capable free agent linebacker. Teams with larger linebacker voids or deeply familiar ties to Elliss might offer him more guaranteed playing time or enhanced financial terms.
San Francisco positions its pitch around competing for a deep postseason run and the chance to contribute on a Super Bowl-contending defense. However, Elliss's realistic ceiling in San Francisco would likely be as a high-level backup and special teams specialist rather than supplanting the entrenched starters.
If the 49ers seek a definitive starting upgrade, their focus may also remain on potential draft selections or higher-profile acquisitions. Still, the addition of a player with Elliss's experience, versatility, and system familiarity would be a prudent, low-risk move to shore up the linebacker unit.
Conclusion: A Smart, Targeted Offseason Interest
The reported interest by the 49ers in Kaden Elliss exemplifies strategic offseason roster management--prioritizing familiarity, value, and depth at a critical position while continuing to build a well-rounded defense under Raheem Morris. Elliss's prior connection to Morris and his hybrid linebacker skill set make him a logical fit as the 49ers seek to remain competitive in a physically demanding NFL season.
Elliss's potential signing would not make major headlines but represents the steady incremental improvements that the 49ers' front office, led by General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan, consistently pursues to sustain their contender status. This move could provide peace of mind and reliable backup options behind Warner and Greenlaw.
As the 2026 league year approaches, it will be worth monitoring how this reported interest develops and whether San Francisco successfully adds Elliss to their roster. Should he sign, Elliss will bring not only solid playmaking skills but also a valuable connection to the 49ers' new defensive coordinator, potentially accelerating the defense's cohesion and readiness.