Veteran linebacker Deion Jones, a native of New Orleans with strong ties to Louisiana State University, is poised to ink a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, marking his full traversal of the NFC South. This strategic acquisition by the Saints brings a seasoned defensive player back to his roots. The specifics of the financial arrangement have not been publicly revealed.
Jones, now 31, commenced his professional career with the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent six seasons. During his tenure with the Falcons, he consistently demonstrated his prowess, exceeding 100 tackles in five separate seasons and earning a prestigious Pro Bowl selection in 2017, a testament to his exceptional performance on the field.
His career trajectory has seen him play for several teams across the league. Following his impactful years with the Falcons from 2016 to 2021, Jones moved on to the Cleveland Browns in 2022. He then joined the Carolina Panthers in 2023, before a stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2024-2025 season. During his time with the Buccaneers last season, he recorded 29 tackles over 17 games, contributing to their defensive efforts.
Throughout his 128 career games, Jones has accumulated an impressive record of 761 tackles, 12 sacks, and 13 interceptions. Remarkably, five of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns, highlighting his playmaking ability and instinct for disrupting opposing offenses. He was originally drafted by the Falcons in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, a selection that proved to be highly valuable for the franchise.
The reported signing of Jones with the Saints represents a significant homecoming for the player, allowing him to finish his tour of the NFC South with the team from his hometown. His wealth of experience and proven track record are expected to bolster the Saints' defense, offering a veteran presence and contributing to their pursuit of success in the upcoming season.
