49ers trade with NFC South team for linebacker

With just a few weeks left before the new season, the San Francisco 49ers continue to tinker with their roster.

Recently, the 49ers added tight end Khalil Dinkins, offensive lineman Doug Kramer Jr., and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge. On Sunday, they acquired a veteran presence to shore up their defense.

The 49ers pulled off a trade, sending running back Zamir White to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for linebacker Deion Jones, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Former Falcons LB Deion Jones reunites with 49ers DC (defensive coordinator) Raheem Morris, and Saints get RB depth with Alvin Kamara dealing with a knee injury,” added Schefter.

Jones and Morris worked together for five years on the Atlanta Falcons.

It has been an eventful summer for the 31-year-old Jones. He signed with the Saints on August 8 after two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But his stay in New Orleans did not last long, as he now has to pack his bags again and move to San Francisco.

Last season, Jones tallied 29 combined tackles. He played all 17 games after appearing in only two games in 2024.

The 49ers are his fifth team after also suiting up for the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers.

While Jones has ample experience, he will have to prove himself to earn a spot in the rotation, as his fellow linebackers Nick Bosa, Dre Greenlaw, Fred Warner, Mykel Williams, Luke Gifford, and Keion White, among others, are ahead of him in the depth chart.

Jones could see action against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, as San Francisco closes out its preseason schedule.