The Cleveland Browns are preparing for potential roster updates this offseason, focusing on strengthening their defensive lineup. With Mike Rutenberg stepping in as the new defensive coordinator, the team may pursue players familiar to him to fit his defensive strategy. One such target is linebacker Kaden Elliss from the Atlanta Falcons, whom the Browns see as a possible successor to Devin Bush.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the Browns have shown considerable interest in Elliss, a linebacker praised by multiple coaching staffs he has worked with, including San Francisco’s defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and Cleveland’s Mike Rutenberg.
Kaden Elliss’s Defensive Impact and Contract Status
Elliss, known for his tackling prowess, recorded 107 tackles last season and achieved a career-high 151 tackles in 2024. His consistent performance would provide Cleveland’s defense with a significant boost. Though the Browns aim to retain Devin Bush, adding Elliss would enhance linebacker depth and defensive reliability.
Elliss is coming off a three-year contract with the Falcons valued at $21.5 million, making him an experienced and valuable addition if signed by Cleveland.
Potential Challenges Surrounding Devin Bush’s Contract
The Browns remain interested in re-signing Devin Bush, but his contract negotiations could face hurdles as several teams may express interest in the linebacker. NFL analyst Chris Simms highlighted the possibility that Bush’s financial expectations might lead him to settle for a shorter-term deal.
“This to me sometimes is a scenario where the player thinks there’s going to be a market, maybe outprices himself, and he ends up signing a one-year deal,”
Simms said.
“Because he goes, ‘Wait, nobody wants to give me a three-year deal?’ Because everybody goes, ‘No, we’ve got to see another big year.’”
– Chris Simms, NFL analyst
In his second season with Cleveland, Bush made a strong impact, accumulating 125 tackles alongside two sacks and two forced fumbles. The Browns previously extended him with a one-year contract worth $3.25 million, yet his market value is expected to increase. Spotrac projects that Bush might secure a three-year deal worth approximately $26.7 million.
New Defensive Coordinator’s Vision for the Browns
Following Jim Schwartz’s resignation as defensive coordinator, Cleveland appointed Mike Rutenberg to lead the defense. Rutenberg emphasized an aggressive approach to defense, encouraging the team to maintain a downhill, attacking style that leverages the strength of its front-line players.
“Keep attacking, keep getting downhill,” Rutenberg stated. He praised key defensive players including Myles Garrett, Maliek Collins, Alex Wright, Isaiah McGuire, and Mason Graham for their contributions to the front defense.
“I could keep going across the front, and the backers behind them who were involved with Carson (Schwesinger) and obviously (Devin Bush) had a great year last year and (Mohamoud Diabate) had a great year and the safety’s behind them with Grant (Delpit) and Rocket (Ronnie Hickman), everybody’s involved, but it’s always going to go back to the front.”
– Mike Rutenberg, Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator
Rutenberg expressed confidence in the defensive foundation already in place but acknowledged that further additions, such as Elliss, could help elevate the unit’s performance in the coming season.
What the Defensive Moves Mean for Cleveland’s Future
The Browns are clearly focused on reinforcing their linebacker corps amid uncertainty surrounding Devin Bush’s contract situation. Bringing in a player of Kaden Elliss’s caliber would not only provide valuable experience but also align with Rutenberg’s defensive philosophy. As the team navigates these roster decisions, fans can expect active discussions and potentially impactful signings designed to bolster Cleveland’s defense ahead of the next NFL season.
