Deion Jones signs with Saints on one-year deal
By Michael
Deion Jones signs with New Orleans Saints
Veteran linebacker Deion Jones (LB, New Orleans Saints) is signing a one-year deal with New Orleans, per Adam Schefter. Jones was born and raised in New Orleans, went to Jesuit High School there, and played college ball at LSU before being drafted 52nd overall by the Atlanta Falcons in 2016.
The signing also completes a full tour of the NFC South. Jones spent seven seasons with the Falcons, then had stints with the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before landing back home.
What this means for IDP managers
Jones has 761 career tackles, 12 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles across his career, and he made the Pro Bowl in 2017. The problem for IDP purposes is that his tackle totals have dropped significantly. In 13 games with Carolina in 2023, he put up 35 tackles. His time with Tampa Bay was mostly practice squad work.
At 31, Jones is a depth or rotational linebacker. The Saints finished 6-11 in 2024 under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, so there could be meaningful defensive snaps available. But without a confirmed starting role on the Saints' depth chart, his IDP value is speculative.
Hold off on rostering him in IDP leagues until training camp reports clarify his role. If he wins a starting job in New Orleans, his tackle upside becomes worth a waiver claim.