SportDraft
Saints swap linebacker for running back as injury crisis reshapes roster
New Orleans acquires Zamir White from San Francisco to address a depleted backfield, while the 49ers secure additional linebacker depth.
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Event
Saints trade linebacker Deion Jones to 49ers for running back Zamir White
The New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers agreed to a trade sending linebacker Deion Jones to San Francisco in exchange for running back Zamir White. The move addresses depth issues for both teams, particularly for the Saints, who are dealing with multiple running back injuries including an MCL sprain for Alvin Kamara. White, who had recently signed a one-year deal with the 49ers, joins New Orleans to bolster their backfield, while Jones provides linebacker depth for San Francisco.
2 published stories · nfl · source reliability 67%
Background
Why this event matters
The New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers have executed a player-for-player trade to address immediate roster depth issues. The Saints, facing a surge in running back injuries—including an MCL sprain for Alvin Kamara and hamstring and ankle issues for other backfield options—acquired running back Zamir White. White had signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the 49ers less than two weeks prior to the trade. In exchange, the 49ers received linebacker Deion Jones, who had joined the Saints on a one-year, $1.3 million deal on 7 August. The move provides the 49ers with additional linebacker depth, as they previously had limited options with only Fred Warner and Tatum Bethune available.
event-brief
Saints trade linebacker Deion Jones to 49ers for running back Zamir White
The New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers have executed a player-for-player trade to address immediate roster depth issues. The Saints, facing a surge in running back injuries—including an MCL sprain for Alvin Kamara and hamstring and ankle issues for other backfield options
Reporting trail
CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-49ers-trade-grades-zamir-white | published 2026-08-24T03:21:21.000Z | primary sourceYahoo Sports | https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/new-orleans-saints-news/113426/saints-trade-lb-deion-jones-for-rb-zamir-white | published 2026-08-24T02:37:22.000Z | primary source
Fact cards
entity brief
Saints trade linebacker Deion Jones to 49ers for running back Zamir White: key people and institutions
Key entities: New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, Zamir White, Deion Jones, Alvin Kamara.
faq brief
Saints trade linebacker Deion Jones to 49ers for running back Zamir White: key questions
Why did the Saints trade for Zamir White? To bolster their backfield depth after multiple running back injuries, including an MCL sprain for Alvin Kamara. What did the 49ers receive in the trade? Linebacker Deion Jones, who provides depth to a unit that previously had limited opt
source brief
Saints trade linebacker Deion Jones to 49ers for running back Zamir White: reporting sources
CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/saints-49ers-trade-grades-zamir-white | published 2026-08-24T03:21:21.000Z | primary source | Yahoo Sports | https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/new-orleans-saints-news/113426/saints-trade-lb-deion-jones-for-rb-zamir-white | publi
timeline brief
Saints trade linebacker Deion Jones to 49ers for running back Zamir White: timeline
2026-08-07: Deion Jones signs a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. 2026-08-10: Zamir White signs a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers (approximate date based on "less than two weeks prior" to 24 Aug). 2026-08-22: Devin Neal aggravat
Timeline
2026-08-07
Deion Jones signs a one-year, $1.3 million contract with the New Orleans Saints.
2026-08-10
Zamir White signs a one-year, $1.2 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers (approximate date based on "less than two weeks prior" to 24 Aug).
2026-08-22
Devin Neal aggravates a hamstring injury during a Saints preseason game.
2026-08-24
Saints and 49ers agree to trade Deion Jones for Zamir White as the second week of NFL preseason closes.
FAQ
Why did the Saints trade for Zamir White?
To bolster their backfield depth after multiple running back injuries, including an MCL sprain for Alvin Kamara.
What did the 49ers receive in the trade?
Linebacker Deion Jones, who provides depth to a unit that previously had limited options.
How long had Zamir White been with the 49ers?
Less than two weeks, having signed a one-year deal shortly before the trade.
What is Deion Jones' recent career trajectory?
He was an every-week starter for the Atlanta Falcons for six seasons but has filled smaller roles over the last four years.
Why did the Saints trade Deion Jones?
The Saints traded Jones to acquire running back depth due to injuries to Devin Neal and Alvin Kamara.
Who is Zamir White?
Zamir White is a fifth-year running back who previously played for the Las Vegas Raiders and has career totals of 736 rushing yards and 152 receiving yards.
How much did Deion Jones play for the Saints?
Jones recorded one tackle in a preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams before being traded.
Is this the first time the Saints have made a similar trade?
No, the Saints executed a similar player-for-player swap last preseason, trading Khalen Saunders for Luke Fortner.