Saints To Sign LB Deion Jones

A New Orleans native and a former LSU standout, Jones moved to Atlanta as a second-round pick in 2016 and went on to play his first six seasons there. The 6-foot-1, 222-pounder immediately took on a significant role in the Falcons’ defense during a prolific rookie season in which he tallied 108 tackles, 11 pass deflections, three interceptions and two pick-sixes in 15 games. Jones earned his lone Pro Bowl nod in 2017, a 138-tackle, 10-PD, three-INT showing in which he recorded a career-high 10 tackles for loss.

Other than an injury-shortened 2018 campaign, Jones exceeded 100 tackles in every season between 2017-21. He notched 8.5 sacks and eight picks along the way, but Jones’ impact has diminished since the Falcons traded him to the Browns in October 2022.

Over a combined 43 games with the Browns, Panthers (2023) and Buccaneers (2024-25), Jones put up 109 tackles, 15 PDs and three INTs. The 31-year-old completed a full season in Tampa Bay in 2025, but he played a meager 11.49% of defensive snaps and finished with 29 tackles in 17 games. Jones was on the field far more on special teams, where he posted the Bucs’ third-highest snap share (60.81%).

Now, as he attempts to earn a roster spot with a fourth NFC South team, Jones will join a Saints linebacking corps led by free agent pickup Kaden Elliss and Pete Werner. Danny Stutsman and Isaiah Stalbird, who were core special teamers in 2025, are among the Saints’ depth options.