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49ers-Saints Trade Grades: Deion Jones, Zamir White Swap Gives Both Teams What They Need for 2026

San Francisco and New Orleans made a late-night trade on Sunday.
Mike Kadlick|
Deion Jones and Zamir White were traded for each other on Sunday night.
Deion Jones and Zamir White were traded for each other on Sunday night. | Jones: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images / White:

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New Orleans SaintsSan Francisco 49ers

We have another training camp trade!

As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday night, the Saints are sending linebacker Deion Jones to the 49ers in exchange for running back Zamir White.

Jones signed with New Orleans earlier this month and participated in the team's first two preseason games, in which he tallied four total tackles. Originally selected by the Falcons in the second round of the 2016 draft, Jones spent seven seasons in Atlanta and was voted a Pro Bowler in 2017. The 31-year-old is a 10-year NFL veteran who has also spent time with the Browns, Panthers and Bills.

White, meanwhile, agreed to a one-year deal with San Francisco in early August. In the 49ers’ preseason victory over the Chargers on Thursday night, White led the team in carries (12), but managed just 29 yards for a lowly 2.4 yards per attempt. The 26-year-old spent his four NFL seasons with the Raiders and notched career highs in yards (451), attempts (104) and touchdowns (1) in 2023.

The two veterans are now being traded in what ultimately looks like a win for both teams. Here’s a closer look at the move—with a grade for each club.

Trade Grades: San Francisco, New Orleans both address needs in Jones-White trade

Alvin Kamara.
Alvin Kamara is dealing with an MCL sprain. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Currently hamstrung (no pun intended) with a surplus of injuries at running back behind Travis Etienne, the Saints were almost desperate to make a move before the season began. Alvin Kamara is currently out for at least the next month with a sprained MCL, Audric Estime is dealing with an ankle ailment and Devin Neal left New Orleans’ preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday with a hamstring injury.

Enter: The 49ers.

San Francisco, though no stranger to injury itself, welcomed three-time All-Pro Christian McCaffrey back to practice on Sunday after he missed roughly two weeks with “tightness” in his leg. Now strapped with a surplus of healthy backs—including Sincere McCormick, who has led the team in rushing in each of its first two preseason games—the 49ers were willing and able to part with White in a trade with the Saints.

In return, they get a linebacker in Jones, who reunites with San Francisco defensive coordinator Raheem Morris after working with him for five seasons in Atlanta. Though no longer the 100-plus-tackle-player he once was, Jones brings another veteran voice to a 49ers room that already features Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. If it works? Outstanding. If not? The Niners only gave up a depth running back to take a shot.

Grades:

49ers: A-
Saints: B+

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Mike Kadlick
MIKE KADLICK

Mike Kadlick is a senior NFL news writer for Sports Illustrated. He’s also a New England Patriots reporter for CLNS Media, where he hosts the Patriots Daily podcast and covers the beat from Gillette Stadium. Before joining SI, Kadlick worked at WEEI sports radio in Boston. He holds a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University. When Kadlick’s not covering football, he can be found running, spending time with his wife and dog, and enjoying all things pizza.

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