Saints Acquire Pro Bowl Linebacker From Buccaneers Rival

WHO:

neworleanssaints.com - Deion Jones is a nine-year NFL veteran who was originally a second round draft pick (52nd overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2016 NFL Draft out of LSU.

Heavy NFL - Deion Jones is a New Orleans native.

Newsweek - The New Orleans Saints signed 31-year-old linebacker Deion Jones.

Heavy NFL - Deion Jones is a veteran linebacker previously with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

WHAT:

neworleanssaints.com - Deion Jones has appeared in 128 regular season games with 91 starts and has career totals of 746 tackles (483 solo), 12 sacks, 13 interceptions returned for 384 yards, five brought back for touchdowns, 53 pass breakups, five forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 15 special teams stops.

neworleanssaints.com - In six postseason games with five starts, Deion Jones has career totals of 35 tackles (25 solo), an interception return, five passes defensed, and one forced fumble.

neworleanssaints.com - In 2026, Deion Jones took on a leadership role on the Buccaneers special teams units, appearing in all 16 games and finishing with a career-high 12 stops, while also adding eight defensive tackles.

Heavy NFL - Deion Jones has previously played for the Atlanta Falcons and the Carolina Panthers before joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Newsweek - Deion Jones signed a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Heavy NFL - Deion Jones was a Pro Bowl linebacker and signed with the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints.

WHERE:

Newsweek - The signing took place in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Heavy NFL - The contract was signed with the New Orleans Saints, a rival of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

WHEN:

Newsweek - The contract signing is reported but does not specify an exact date.

Heavy NFL - The article does not provide a specific date for the signing.

WHY:

Heavy NFL - The signing is significant as it marks Deion Jones returning to his hometown team after playing for all three of their NFC South rivals.

Heavy NFL - The signing is significant as it involves a player moving to a rival team in the NFC South.

HOW:

neworleanssaints.com - Deion Jones was a Butkus Award finalist as a senior in 2015 after playing in 12 games and recording 100 tackles, five sacks, three passes defensed, two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, and one forced fumble.

Heavy NFL - Deion Jones signed a free-agent contract with the New Orleans Saints after his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Newsweek - Deion Jones was signed as a free agent by the New Orleans Saints.

Deion Jones, a nine-year NFL veteran and second round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2016, has made a significant impact on the field, appearing in 128 regular season games with impressive career totals that include 746 tackles and 13 interceptions. In 2026, he took on a leadership role with the Buccaneers' special teams, participating in all 16 games and achieving a career-high 12 stops, along with eight defensive tackles. Notably, Jones was also a Butkus Award finalist in 2015, showcasing his talent with 100 tackles and two interceptions during his senior year at LSU.