Elliss had 78 total tackles and 7 sacks, still career high, as the 3rd LB in his contract year with the Saints. The HC got the most out of him as a 7th round LB3 which led to a big contract with ATL.
Baun began to be utilized in the same way as Elliss in the second half of 2023 after the fact. But thats when Baun began to emerge into a good defensive player. LB talent stonewalled him in LB snaps in his first 3 Saints seasons because of where his development was at as a LB. Baun wasn’t producing like Philly Baun when he started some games at Mike and Will in place of injured Davis/Werner in ‘21-‘23.
Baun showed good pass rushing skills in 2023 more than sideline to sideline LB potential. He wasn’t pushing Werner for snaps in Base Defense. Judging by how high the Saints are on Werner, he would’ve been waiting forever for a starting opportunity.