The New Orleans Saints are signing linebacker Deion Jones to a one-year deal, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Friday.
Jones, 31, is a New Orleans native who went to LSU. He spent the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he was on and off the practice squad and was utilized as a reserve linebacker and special teams player.
He was the Atlanta Falcons’ second-round pick in 2016 and also spent time with the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns. He started 83 games for the Falcons over six seasons and made the Pro Bowl in 2017.
The Saints presumed starting linebackers this year are Kaden Elliss, who returned to New Orleans after three seasons with the Falcons and Pete Werner, although they have been giving second-year player Danny Stutsman some first-team reps in training camp. Defensive end Chris Rumph also recently made the move to linebacker, but left Thursday’s practice early with an ankle issue.
