Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Buccaneers Predicted to ‘Steal’ Veteran Linebacker From Rivals Falcons

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 3:53 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are being tipped to make a splash in free agency by signing veteran inside linebacker Kaden Elliss, a move that would come at the expense of division rival Atlanta Falcons. The projection lands amid clear roster needs at linebacker for Tampa Bay and Elliss’ emergence as a productive blitzer in 2025.

Elliss finished the season with 3.5 sacks and impact plays that highlighted his pass‑rushing versatility from the second level. Tampa Bay’s staff, which emphasized aggressive blitz packages, would gain a player whose skill set translates directly into those schemes. Elliss’ ability to time stunts and attack gaps could help revive a Buccaneers unit that struggled to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks.

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

From Atlanta’s perspective, losing Elliss would be a setback but not an organizational crisis; the Falcons have depth decisions to make and cap considerations in a busy offseason. Elliss has been a productive rotational piece, and his departure would force Atlanta to prioritize interior linebacker depth either through the draft or cheaper veteran alternatives. The roster ripple effects would touch special teams and subpackage alignments as well.

Financially, Elliss projects to command a middle‑tier linebacker market rate that Tampa Bay can stomach if ownership and the front office decide on a win‑now posture. Structuring a deal with performance incentives would mitigate risk for the Buccaneers while rewarding Elliss for playing a prominent role. How Tampa Bay balances this signing against other offseason targets will reveal whether the plan is incremental improvement or a more aggressive roster makeover.

NFL Analysis Projects Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Sign Kaden Elliss Away From Atlanta Falcons

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ellis may possibly find himself in Tampa Bay at some point in the offseason. This is detailed more in an analysis by Aaron Schatz for ESPN.

Big prediction for the offseason: With help required at inside linebacker, the Bucs will steal Kaden Elliss from the rival Falcons in free agency. He would be perfect in those Bowles blitz packages after 3.5 sacks in 2025.

For the Buccaneers’ defense, Elliss would provide a short‑term upgrade in blitzing and run support while younger linebackers develop. His experience in facing NFC South offenses also gives him immediate schematic familiarity that could shorten a learning curve.

If Tampa Bay executes this move, it would be a classic rivalry swing: strengthening one team while weakening another within the division. The decision will be an early barometer of how bold the Buccaneers intend to be with their available resources. The coming weeks should clarify whether Elliss becomes Tampa Bay’s key free‑agent prize or another offseason rumor that never materializes.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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