​Despite having a talented roster, the Atlanta Falcons lacked the resources to make big changes over the offseason. First-year Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham did his best to retain the team’s core players while replacing others with affordable free agents.Considering the circumstances, Cunningham has done a respectable job thus far. However, the Falcons were unable to retain their defensive leader in free agency. Linebacker Kaden Elliss signed a three-year, $33 million with the rival New Orleans Saints, leaving a giant hole in the middle of Atlanta’s defense.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementElliss’ versatility was a crucial part of Jeff Ulbrich’s scheme last season, and he won’t be easily replaced in 2026. While the team still has Divine Deablo, there’s some uncertainty as to who will start next to him at linebacker.ESPN’s Marc Raimondi weighed the Falcons’ other options to replace Elliss this season, but he said it will likely take more than one person.”It won’t be a one-man job, according to defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich,” wrote Raimondi. “Elliss was not only one of the most underrated off-ball linebackers in the NFL — especially on blitzes — over the past few years, he also wore the green dot and was one of the leaders of the defense. Now, he’s back with the rival New Orleans Saints, where he started his career.”In terms of the favorite to start next to Deablo, Christian Harris appears to be the early favorite.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement”If practices during OTAs and minicamp are any indication, Christian Harris seems like the favorite at inside linebacker, alongside Divine Deablo,” Raimondi added. “Harris was signed from the Houston Texans. He started 27 games in four seasons and was considered a prospect who didn’t completely fulfill his potential because of calf and ankle injuries.”The Falcons have a few other options, though. Former second-round pick Troy Andersen has looked good when healthy, however, he’s ben unable to stay on the field. Rookie Kendal Daniels is another option, but according to Raimondi, he’s still dealing with an injury.Sixth-round pick Harold Perkins Jr. and second-year linebacker Jalon Walker could also help pick up the slack this season, per Raimondi.”Atlanta drafted Kendal Daniels and Harold Perkins Jr. in the fourth and sixth rounds, respectively. Daniels, though, has been injured, while the speedy, undersized Perkins has taken reps with the second-team defense. The most intriguing possibility could be Jalon Walker, the promising second-year player whose versatility coming out of college was a major strength.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Falcons defense took a massive step forward last year, and will look to keep that momentum going in 2026.This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: ESPN predicts who Falcons’ new starting linebacker will be