Saints Add Depth with White as Kamara Nurtures MCL Sprain

The New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers have agreed to a trade that addresses depth concerns for both teams. The deal sends linebacker Deion Jones to the Bay Area in exchange for running back Zamir White. This move comes as No. 2 running back Alvin Kamara is nursing an MCL sprain, which has left the Saints with a depleted backfield.

White, who signed with the 49ers just two weeks ago, was projected to enter the season on the lower rungs of San Francisco’s depth chart. However, his arrival in New Orleans presents an opportunity for him to see playing time early in the campaign. White has spent the first four years of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders, accumulating 736 rushing yards over 45 games.

Depth Concerns in New Orleans

The Saints’ backfield has been plagued by injuries, with Devin Neal aggravating a hamstring injury in Saturday’s preseason game and Audric Estime hurting his ankle in the preseason opener. This has left the team without its second, fourth, and fifth options on the unofficial depth chart. The addition of White should provide a temporary solution to these concerns and keep the running backs afloat through the end of training camp.

White is capable of eating up a few snaps in the opening weeks of the regular season if called upon. The Saints’ decision to acquire him without taking on any additional salary is a win, especially since the linebacker they are parting with was not a lock to make the roster in the first place. Deion Jones was a cut candidate whom the team listed as a fourth-teamer.

49ers Address Linebacker Depth

The San Francisco 49ers were in need of linebacker depth, with only Fred Warner and Tatum Bethune available to them. Jones fits the mold of a third option and could even push Bethune for the primary backup role. However, the latter made eight starts in 2025 when Warner suffered his gruesome ankle injury and may still factor into the team’s plans.

The 49ers have plenty of more enticing backups they would turn to before White, who might not have even made the roster in the first place. The team also signed Khalil Herbert in a corresponding move to Patrick Taylor Jr.’s landing on injured reserve, so the cupboard is far from bare.

Trade Grades

The Saints receive a B- grade for this trade, as it addresses their depth concerns without taking on any additional salary. The 49ers, on the other hand, receive a C+ grade, as they had to part with a deep backup who was not a priority in the first place.

Overall, this trade addresses the needs of both teams and provides a temporary solution to the Saints’ depth concerns in the backfield.