Former Falcons linebacker signing with New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints have signed former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Deion Jones, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter. Jones, now 31 years old, played for the Falcons from 2016 to 2021, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2017. Despite being hampered by injuries throughout his career, Jones was an impactful inside linebacker for the Falcons during his early years.

The team reached the Super Bowl in his first season and won a playoff game in his second. Jones amassed 652 tackles (428 solo), 11 interceptions, 8.5 sacks, and 44 passes defended over his six seasons with the Falcons before signing with the Cleveland Browns in 2022. The Saints are expected to give Jones a one-year contract, marking his return to the NFC South where he was born, raised, and attended high school football before attending LSU.

Jones will have played for all four NFC South teams following this move. The Falcons have lost another starting inside linebacker to the Saints, as veteran Kaden Elliss recently signed a three-year, $33 million deal to rejoin the team, having previously served as a seventh-round pick in New Orleans. The two former Falcons will face off against their former franchise on Monday Night Football during Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season.