Saints Make Clever Trade to Address Their Suddenly Depleted Backfield

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The New Orleans Saints traded veteran linebacker Deion Jones to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for running back Zamir White, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter on Sunday night.

The swap comes just weeks after New Orleans signed Jones to a one-year deal. The New Orleans native spent the previous season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 29 tackles in 17 games.

Jones, 31, spent the first six seasons of his career with the Atlanta Falcons after being selected in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has also played for the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and Buccaneers.

However, Jones was a long shot to make the team as the Saints have considerable depth at linebacker and he joined the franchise too late to make a push for the final 53-man roster.

Trade: the Saints are sending veteran LB Deion Jones to San Francisco in exchange for RB Zamir White, per sources. pic.twitter.com/VvIDfI38YH
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 24, 2026

White has experience as he enters his fifth year in the NFL. A fourth-round draft pick, he spent his first four years with the Las Vegas Raiders before joining the 49ers during the offseason.

His best season came in 2022 when he had 104 carries for 451 yards and a touchdown as the No. 2 tailback behind Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs.

White, who signed with the 49ers in early August, had faced long odds to make the team after running backs Christian McCaffrey, Kaelon Black and Jordan James returned from injury in the past week.

How it Affects RB Room

Saints — Aug 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Zamir White (30) carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While it is unclear if he will make the final 53-man roster at this time, the running back room is depleted due to injuries, and White will fill a short-term need for the Saints.

Veteran Alvin Kamara sustained an MCL injury last week that is expected to keep him sidelined for multiple weeks, likely ruling him out for the first two games of the regular season.

Meanwhile, Audric Estime suffered an ankle injury during New Orleans' preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars and was unable to travel to California for Saturday's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams. Additionally, Devin Neal reinjured his lingering hamstring against the Rams on Saturday, forcing an early exit shortly after returning to action.

The Saints recently got back running back Kendre Miller (back) and offseason acquisition Travis Etienne Jr., Ty Chandler and CJ Donaldson are all healthy.

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