What Does The Saints’ Latest Trade Actually Mean?

The New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers agreed on a trade late Sunday night involving linebacker Deion Jones and running back Zamir White. While player-for-player trades aren't common in the NFL, this move makes sense for both sides. 

On the 49ers' side, the team is dealing with injuries to linebackers Luke Gifford, a Pro Bowl special teams player, and second-year linebacker Nick Martin from Oklahoma State. Jones has familiarity with Raheem Morris. In 2020, Morris was the defensive coordinator for the Falcons, and Jones enjoyed a career season with a career-high 75.0 pass-rushing grade, 19 total pressures, five sacks, six QB hits, and eight hurries on 85 pass-rushing snaps. 

The move gives the 49ers a veteran who knows the system and can get the team to cutdown day with the preseason finale on Thursday against the Las Vegas Raiders. The plus side is if the injuries are more severe than initially diagnosed, Jones can find a spot on the 53-man roster with his former coach. 

For the Saints, the injuries to Alvin Kamara, Devin Neal, and Audric Estime have the team in a tough spot. White is a veteran with plenty in the tank and both he and Jones were likely to be cut so the swap makes perfect sense. Kamara is likely to at least miss the home opener and Neal is dealing with a hamstring strain suffered on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. 

Estime has been dealing with foot discomfort and Travis Etienne is one of the only healthy backs on the roster. White gives them a bridge to cutdown day as well and is a reliable veteran. 

Rarely does a swap that makes this much sense for both sides happen, but this is clearly a coordinated effort from both sides to have players finish the preseason with a chance of cracking the 53-man roster. Both players have been given a second chance at a roster spot, with a possible practice squad spot.

Kudos to both organizations for targeting veterans who can handle the responsibilities of a new situation. Maybe this move is a fresh and perfect spot for the veterans.