Could Raheem Morris bring in defensive reinforcements from Atlanta?
The San Francisco 49ers could be looking to reinforce their linebacker unit this offseason, and veteran linebacker Kaden Elliss has emerged as a potential target as the team prepares for the start of free agency.
San Francisco’s defense is expected to receive a major boost in 2026 with the return of star linebacker Fred Warner, who missed most of the 2025 season after suffering a fractured and dislocated ankle.
Warner’s return alone should stabilize the middle of the defense, but the overall depth at the position remains uncertain.
Elliss has drawn attention because of his connection to the 49ers’ new defensive coordinator, Raheem Morris.
Morris previously served as Elliss’s head coach during their time together with the Atlanta Falcons, giving the defensive play-caller firsthand knowledge of what the veteran linebacker can bring to a scheme.
There’s also a minor connection between Elliss and San Francisco already. His younger brother, Christian Elliss, briefly spent time on the 49ers’ practice squad during the 2021 season.
That familiarity could play a significant role in free agency. Coaches often look for players who already understand their systems and expectations, and Elliss fits that description.
His ability to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and contribute against the run makes him a flexible option in modern defensive packages.
Younger players such as Dee Winters and Tatum Bethune both logged significant snaps in 2025, but the addition of a veteran could reshape the depth chart heading into training camp.
Luke Gifford, Eric Kendricks, Curtis Robinson, and Garret Wallow are all set to hit the open market, leaving the team with potential holes in both starting and rotational spots.
With that in mind, adding an experienced defender like Elliss could help provide both stability and versatility.
Elliss entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2019 draft after a productive college career at the University of Idaho.
Though initially viewed as a developmental player, he steadily carved out a role thanks to his motor and physical style of play.
If San Francisco ultimately pursues Elliss in free agency, the move could have ripple effects on the current linebacker group.
With Warner returning and the defense undergoing subtle changes under Morris, the 49ers appear focused on building a deeper, more experienced linebacker corps.
Elliss could be one of the key names to watch as the team evaluates its options in the coming weeks.