New Orleans addresses severe backfield concerns by acquiring the former Raiders running back, while San Francisco gains crucial linebacker depth.
The NFL preseason's second week concluded with a significant transaction shaking up team rosters. The New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers completed a trade, sending veteran linebacker Deion Jones to the Bay Area in exchange for running back Zamir White.
This strategic move directly addresses pressing depth issues for both franchises. For the Saints, the acquisition of White comes amidst a critical shortage in their backfield, severely impacted by a wave of injuries to key players.
Meanwhile, the 49ers bolster their linebacker corps with Jones, an experienced defender. The full details and implications of this deal were reported by CBS Sports - NFL.
Saints Scramble for Running Back Depth Amid Injury Onslaught
The New Orleans Saints faced an alarming situation in their running back room, prompting the urgent trade for Zamir White. Starting running back Alvin Kamara is currently sidelined with an MCL sprain, creating an immediate void. Beyond Kamara, the team is also dealing with injuries to Devin Neal, who aggravated a hamstring issue, and Audric Estime, who suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener.
These setbacks meant the Saints were missing their second, fourth, and fifth options on their unofficial running back depth chart. Such an onslaught of injuries left the team with significant concerns for the start of the regular season, potentially elevating Travis Etienne to the primary role if Kamara's absence extends.
Adding White provides crucial immediate relief, helping to stabilize the backfield through the remainder of training camp. He is capable of contributing early in the regular season, potentially eating up snaps in the opening weeks if called upon.
Importantly, the Saints achieved this much-needed depth boost without taking on additional salary, a strategic win considering Deion Jones, the player they traded, was not a lock to make their final roster. Jones was listed as a fourth-teamer and considered a cut candidate.
Zamir White Lands in New Orleans with Early Playing Time Opportunity
Zamir White's arrival in New Orleans marks a swift change of scenery. He had only recently signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with the San Francisco 49ers less than two weeks prior to the trade. In San Francisco, White was projected to be on the lower rungs of their depth chart, deep behind starters.
Before his brief time with the 49ers, White spent the first four years of his professional career with the Las Vegas Raiders. During his tenure there, he accumulated 736 rushing yards across 45 games, having never played a snap outside of Las Vegas until this move.
Now, White finds himself in a position to see significant playing time early in the campaign with the Saints. The team’s injury woes at running back present a clear and immediate opportunity for him to contribute, a stark contrast to his projected role in San Francisco.
Deion Jones Adds Veteran Linebacker Depth to San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers, in turn, secured much-needed depth at the linebacker position by acquiring Deion Jones. With key players like Fred Warner and Tatum Bethune as their primary options, the 49ers sought an experienced third linebacker to round out their unit.
Jones had only recently joined the Saints on August 7, signing a one-year contract valued at $1.3 million. While he was a consistent every-week starter for the Atlanta Falcons through his first six professional seasons, his role had diminished over the last four years, playing for three different teams. Most recently, he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season where he tallied 29 tackles in 17 games.
For the 49ers, Jones fits the mold of a reliable veteran who can step in immediately. He could potentially challenge Tatum Bethune for the primary backup role, despite Bethune making eight starts in 2025 during Fred Warner's ankle injury and factoring into team plans.
San Francisco made this move by parting with Zamir White, a deep backup who was, at best, sixth in line for carries and was not guaranteed a roster spot. Removing players from behind Christian McCaffrey always carries a risk due to his injury history, but the 49ers have plenty of more enticing backups they would turn to before White.
Furthermore, the 49ers' running back room remains robust. The team recently signed Khalil Herbert in a move corresponding to Patrick Taylor Jr. landing on injured reserve, ensuring ample depth behind Christian McCaffrey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did the Saints trade for Zamir White?
The New Orleans Saints traded linebacker Deion Jones to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for running back Zamir White. Jones had recently signed a one-year deal with the Saints.
Why did the New Orleans Saints acquire Zamir White?
The Saints acquired Zamir White to address an acute shortage of running backs due to multiple injuries, including Alvin Kamara's MCL sprain, Devin Neal's hamstring injury, and Audric Estime's ankle injury. White provides immediate depth and potential playing time.
What was Zamir White's contract with the 49ers?
Zamir White had signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with the San Francisco 49ers less than two weeks before being traded to the New Orleans Saints. He was projected to be low on their depth chart.
What role will Deion Jones play for the San Francisco 49ers?
Deion Jones is expected to provide veteran linebacker depth for the San Francisco 49ers. He projects as a third-option linebacker and could compete with Tatum Bethune for the primary backup role behind Fred Warner.