Underrated Jets free agent target is falling into New York's laps

The New York Jets have many positions in need of a major influx of cash and talent in the 2026 offseason, especially on the defensive side of the ball. With Jamien Sherwood regressing and Quincy Williams likely leaving in free agency, a new inside linebacker might be needed.

Aaron Glenn might need to lean on his past connections from stints as a coach with the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions to possibly bring in a new starter for 2026. One such player who overlapped with Glenn for two seasons in New Orleans is Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss.

Even though the writing has been on the wall in Atlanta for a while after the signing of Divine Deablo and drafting of Jalon Walker, Elliss will still be able to cash in with a solid finish to the 2025 season that will get teams around the league interested in him.

Pro Football Focus listed Elliss as one of 15 underrated free agents who could be ready to cash in after the 2025 season, and the Jets need to be at the front of the line for his services.

PFF listed Jets free agency target Kaden Elliss as likely to cash in

The 30-year-old Elliss has started every game since joining the Falcons ahead of the 2023 season. While he isn't as good at stopping the run as Sherwood is, Elliss excels in two areas where the Jets have been critically underprepared in the last few weeks.

First, Elliss is ranked as PFF's second-best pass-rushing inside linebacker, which could help him slide right into the role that Williams is likely to vacate in the offseason. Second, Elliss ranks 14th out of 84 linebackers in coverage grade, which has been a problem for both Williams and Sherwood this season.

Elliss' age means that he is likely not going to command as much money on the open market as Williams. The Jets could save some money, possibly improve (or stay neutral) at the position, and free up capital in the 2026 NFL Draft to be used on wide receivers and pass rushers.

Elliss picked a perfect time to break out, and his versatility is exactly what a subpar Jets linebacker room needs to elevate it to the next level. With tons of money to spend in free agency, the Jets now have an opportunity to give Glenn and whoever the defensive coordinator is a linebacker room worth shouting about.