The New Orleans Saints are trading veteran linebacker Deion Jones to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for running back Zamir White, according to reports confirmed by team and league sources on August 23, 2026. The move addresses critical depth issues for both franchises as they navigate a series of injuries during the preseason.
Saints’ Backfield Crisis
The Saints sought running back help primarily due to the status of star running back Alvin Kamara, who is out at least a month with a knee injury, described in some reports as an MCL sprain. The team’s depth chart has been further thinned by injuries during training camp, with Devin Neal dealing with a hamstring injury and Kendre Miller sidelined by a back issue. The acquisition of Zamir White provides the Saints with a necessary option in the backfield as they manage these absences.
49ers’ Linebacker and Running Back Context
For the 49ers, the trade brings in Deion Jones, 31, to bolster a linebacker corps that has faced its own injury challenges. Nick Martin, a backup linebacker who has been filling in for Dre Greenlaw—a player beset by injuries over the past two seasons—suffered a hamstring injury during a Thursday preseason game. Additionally, linebackers Luke Gifford (hamstring) and Jalen Graham (undisclosed) have recently missed practice time.
The 49ers’ running back situation has stabilized in recent days, allowing the team to part with White. Christian McCaffrey returned to practice on Sunday, joined by Kaelon Black and Jordan James. These three are likely to be the only tailbacks on the 53-man roster to start the season. Isaac Guerendo is also working his way back from a torn pectoral muscle suffered in April. The 49ers had originally signed White on August 12 to address their own backfield injuries.
Jones Reunites with Morris
Deion Jones reunites in San Francisco with 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. The two previously worked together during Jones’ five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons from 2016 to 2020. Selected out of LSU in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Jones was a Pro Bowler in 2017. Following his tenure in Atlanta, Jones spent the past two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played all 17 games last season and tallied 29 tackles. He has also had brief stints with the Cleveland Browns and Carolina Panthers.
White’s Career Path
Zamir White was in his first year with the 49ers. He previously spent four seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The trade marks a change of scenery for White as he transitions to the Saints’ roster, which is currently managing the aforementioned injuries to Kamara, Neal, and Miller.
The sources confirming the trade spoke anonymously because they were not yet authorized to speak publicly regarding the transaction.