The San Francisco 49ers are adding linebacker Deion Jones in a trade with the New Orleans Saints according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In the deal the 49ers are sending out running back Zamir White.
Jones, 31, entered the NFL in 2016 as a second-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons when 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was the offensive coordinator in Atlanta. 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris was also in Atlanta at the time as their assistant head coach and wide receivers coach. He worked more directly with Jones in 2020 as the defensive coordinator and interim head coach. 2021 was Jones’ final season with Atlanta. He spent one season with the Cleveland Browns, one with the Carolina Panthers and two with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 10 seasons Jones has played in 128 games with 91 starts. He hasn’t started a game since 2023. Across his 128 games as a pro Jones has 761 tackles, 50 tackles for loss, 12.0 sacks, 13 interceptions and five forced fumbles.
It’s unclear exactly where Jones fits on the 49ers’ LB depth chart which is pretty stacked with a good mix of veterans and young players. He played a career-high 270 special teams snaps last season for the Buccaneers so San Francisco may just view him as an upgrade over a player like Luke Gifford who has been absent with a hamstring injury for most of training camp.
The 49ers are also a little banged up at linebacker so they may just need a veteran who knows Morris’ system and can step in quickly to play in the preseason finale. There may also be a practice squad spot available to Jones if he’s not on the roster.
As for White, he saw action in both of the 49ers’ first two preseason games. The former Raiders fourth-round pick had 30 yards on 14 carries. With Christian McCaffrey, Jordan James and Kaelon Black all back in the mix, along with veterans Khalil Herbert and Sincere McCormick, the 49ers had an expendable roster spot at running back.
More 49ers: How much did George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey do in practice return?
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers deal RB to Saints in surprise trade for veteran LB
Reporting by Kyle Madson, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
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By Kyle Madson, Niners Wire | USA TODAY Network
