By Gee Bino | The Who Dat Daily Published: August 7, 2026
The Saints signing Deion Jones brings a former LSU standout and New Orleans native home while strengthening one of the most important depth competitions of training camp.
New Orleans is signing the 31-year-old linebacker to a one-year contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Financial terms were not immediately disclosed.
Jones is not arriving to replace projected starters Kaden Elliss or Pete Werner. Instead, the veteran gives defensive coordinator Brandon Staley an experienced reserve who has played all three downs, produced turnovers and handled special-teams work during a 10-year NFL career.
The move also carries a strong Louisiana connection. Jones grew up in New Orleans, attended Jesuit High School and played at LSU before the Atlanta Falcons selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Now, after spending time with every other NFC South franchise, Jones is finally coming home.
Deion Jones Brings Experience and Turnover Production
Jones built his reputation in Atlanta as one of the NFL’s fastest coverage linebackers.
He started 83 games across six seasons with the Falcons and earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2017. Jones exceeded 100 tackles in five seasons with Atlanta, proving he could stay around the football as a full-time defender.
His career numbers also show why he became such a dangerous coverage player. Jones has recorded 761 tackles, 12 sacks and 13 interceptions in 128 games, according to Reuters. He returned five of those interceptions for touchdowns.
That ball production separates Jones from a typical late-summer addition. His peak years may be behind him, but his instincts, route recognition and experience communicating against NFL offenses still carry value.
The Saints are not asking him to become the 2017 version of “Debo.” They need him to diagnose plays quickly, provide reliable depth and help younger linebackers prepare for meaningful snaps.
His Recent Role Offers a Realistic Projection
Jones spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, moving between the active roster and practice squad before settling into a reserve and special-teams role.
He played all 17 games in 2025 and recorded 29 tackles, including 16 solo stops, according to the Buccaneers’ official statistics. He did not record a sack or interception.
Those numbers provide the clearest picture of what New Orleans should expect. Jones is no longer a player who must stay on the field for every defensive package. However, he has shown that he can contribute in a limited role and remain available throughout a full season.
That matters during training camp. The Saints need dependable veterans behind their projected starters, especially while injuries and position changes create uncertainty at the second level.
How the Saints’ Linebacker Room Looks
The top of the depth chart remains unchanged.
Kaden Elliss returned to New Orleans after three seasons with Atlanta and is expected to play a central role in Staley’s defense. Elliss started all 17 games in 2025, producing 107 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits and six pass breakups, according to his official Saints biography.
Pete Werner remains the other presumed starter and must take on a larger leadership role following Demario Davis’ departure. Meanwhile, second-year linebacker Danny Stutsman has received first-team repetitions during camp and remains one of the room’s most important developmental players.
The current competition includes:
Kaden Elliss: Projected starter and versatile three-down defender.
Pete Werner: Projected starter with experience in coverage and against the run.
Danny Stutsman: Young challenger receiving first-team opportunities.
Deion Jones: Experienced reserve and special-teams option.
Jaylan Ford: Young depth linebacker entering his third season.
Isaiah Stalbird: Core special-teams candidate.
Jackson Sirmon: Developmental depth competing for a roster position.
Anfernee Jennings: Bigger edge-setting linebacker who offers a different body type and role.
Jones adds experience without blocking Stutsman’s growth. In fact, his knowledge could help the younger linebacker improve his route recognition, communication and preparation.
Chris Rumph’s Ankle Issue Adds Urgency
The timing of the move is notable.
Defensive end Chris Rumph II recently began working at linebacker but left Thursday’s practice early with an ankle issue. The Saints have not indicated that the injury is serious, yet any missed time creates an immediate need for additional practice depth.
Jones can step into drills without requiring the same teaching period as an inexperienced free agent. He has played in multiple defensive systems, understands coverage adjustments and has extensive experience facing NFC South opponents.
The one-year deal also protects the Saints if another linebacker misses time during the preseason. At worst, Jones gives the defense another professional body for camp. At best, he wins a roster spot as a dependable reserve and special-teams contributor.
Film Room: Where Jones Can Help
Jones’ best trait has always been his ability to read quarterbacks and close throwing windows.
At his peak, his speed allowed him to carry running backs, match tight ends and undercut intermediate routes. Age may have reduced some of that range, but veteran anticipation can compensate for a lost step in selected packages.
Staley can use Jones as a hook-zone defender, matchup option against running backs or experienced communicator when the defense rotates its safeties after the snap. His history of turning interceptions into touchdowns also shows that he understands how to finish plays once the ball reaches his hands.
However, the Saints must manage expectations. Jones should not be isolated repeatedly against explosive receivers or asked to serve as the defense’s primary sideline-to-sideline eraser. His role should emphasize awareness, angles and situational execution.
Special teams may ultimately decide his future. If Jones proves he can cover kicks, protect on returns and provide emergency defensive snaps, he will have a legitimate path to the 53-man roster.
Big Q’s Take
This is a smart, low-risk move for the Saints.
Jones is not coming home with a guaranteed starting job. He is coming home to compete. That distinction matters.
New Orleans gains an experienced linebacker who understands the division, has played winning football and can help stabilize a young room. The Saints also avoid making a long-term financial commitment. If Jones performs well, he strengthens the defense and special teams. If the younger players beat him out, the organization loses very little.
The biggest mistake would be expecting the former Pro Bowler to solve every problem at linebacker. The best outcome is more practical: Jones becomes a reliable fourth linebacker, helps Stutsman develop and gives Staley another veteran he can trust on game day.
Why It Matters
The Saints signing Deion Jones improves their margin for error before the preseason begins.
Elliss and Werner remain the projected starters, but NFL teams rarely complete a season with the same two linebackers handling every important snap. Depth becomes essential when injuries arrive, and Jones has enough experience to prevent one absence from forcing the defense into a complete personnel overhaul.
His addition also raises the standard for every reserve linebacker. Stutsman, Ford, Stalbird and Sirmon now have another proven veteran competing for limited roster spots.
My early prediction is that Jones earns a place on the initial 53-man roster if he shows dependable special-teams value. His experience and coverage instincts give him an advantage, but the one-year agreement should be viewed as an opportunity—not a guarantee.
For Jones, the final chapter of his career now has a chance to unfold where his football journey began.
Gee Bino is a senior writer and columnist for The Who Dat Daily, covering the New Orleans Saints, Pelicans, LSU athletics, and the Gulf South sports landscape. He specializes in roster construction, player development, salary-cap strategy, and breaking news coverage.
