The San Francisco 49ers have acquired veteran Pro Bowl linebacker Deion Jones from the New Orleans Saints in a trade for running back Zamir White. The transaction, confirmed Sunday, adds depth to the 49ers' linebacker corps.
Jones, 31, is reunited with 49ers defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, having played under him previously with the Atlanta Falcons. Jones was drafted by the Falcons in 2016 and spent six seasons in Atlanta, earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. He has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, and most recently, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 49ers' move comes as they manage injuries within their linebacker group, with Jalen Graham having missed recent practices. The team's primary linebackers are Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. White's departure from San Francisco was anticipated due to the team's depth at running back following the return of Christian McCaffrey, Kaelon Black, and Jordan James from injuries.
For Jones, the trade offers another opportunity after his chances of making the Saints' final roster were considered slim. He signed with New Orleans earlier this month. White's trade to the Saints provides him with a chance to compete for a spot on their roster.
The team's recent personnel moves occur against a backdrop of off-field developments for the 49ers organization. Head coach Kyle Shanahan experienced a car accident earlier in the summer, and owner Jed York was arrested in Ohio on suspicion of engaging in prostitution over the weekend. The NFL regular season is less than three weeks away.