Full Breakdown
Saints Trade Deion Jones to 49ers for Running Back Zamir White
8/24/2026, 11:32:01 AM
Core Event
The New Orleans Saints and the San Francisco 49ers swapped players in the final preseason week. The Saints sent linebacker Deion Jones to San Francisco and received running back Zamir White. Both were on one-year deals—Jones at $1.3 million, White at $1.2 million—making the move salary neutral.
Background & Context
New Orleans entered the trade with a depleted backfield. Starting running back Alvin Kamara was out with an MCL sprain, and backs Devin Neal, Audric Estime and Kendre Miller had missed recent preseason action, leaving limited options beyond Travis Etienne Jr.
San Francisco faced a shortage at linebacker. Aside from All-Pro Fred Warner, the 49ers listed only Tatum Bethune as a clear backup, and a hamstring issue had sidelined Luke Gifford.
Key Figures & Groups
- Deion Jones – 31-year-old linebacker, 10-season veteran with 761 career tackles, 12 sacks, 13 interceptions and five forced fumbles.
- Zamir White – 26-year-old running back, four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, 736 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 45 games, plus 25 receptions for 152 yards.
- Raheem Morris – 49ers defensive coordinator, previously worked with Jones in Atlanta.
- Kellen Moore – Saints head coach, overseeing the backfield reshuffle.
Data & Statistics
- Jones has appeared in 128 games (91 starts), recording 761 tackles, 12 sacks and 13 interceptions. He logged 29 tackles in 17 games for Tampa Bay last season.
- White posted 736 rushing yards, two touchdowns and 152 receiving yards with the Raiders; in the 49ers’ first two preseason games he had 30 yards on 14 carries.
- Saints depth chart after the trade: Travis Etienne Jr., Alvin Kamara (injured), Kendre Miller, Devin Neal, Audric Estime, Zamir White.
- 49ers linebacker depth chart: Fred Warner, Tatum Bethune, with Jones as a potential third option or special-teams upgrade.
Official Statements & Responses
Saints officials said acquiring White adds “insurance” for the backfield without increasing payroll, noting Jones was a “cut candidate.” 49ers officials highlighted Jones’s familiarity with Morris’s system, describing him as a “third-option” who could challenge Bethune for the backup role and contribute on special teams.
Why It Matters / Impact
White provides immediate depth if Kamara’s recovery extends, and his experience can relieve Etienne and Miller in practice and games. Jones offers a known quantity in a linebacker group that blends veterans and younger players, and his special-teams background could fill the gap left by Gifford’s hamstring issue. Both clubs gain roster depth without extra cap burden as the regular season approaches.
What’s Next
The Saints will evaluate White during the remaining preseason contests, with a roster spot possible if the injured backs remain unavailable. The 49ers will assess Jones in the preseason finale and may keep him on the active roster, assign him to the practice squad, or release him based on performance and special-teams needs.
