49ers Release Linebacker Deion Jones

The San Francisco 49ers have decided to release linebacker Deion Jones, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Jones, who is 31 years old, was originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons as a second-round pick in 2016. He was in the final year of a four-year contract worth $4.546 million, which included a base salary of $1.07 million for the 2019 season. After agreeing to a four-year extension valued at $57 million, which featured $34 million guaranteed, he later restructured the deal, voiding the last year. Following a trade to the Cleveland Browns, he was subsequently signed by the Carolina Panthers, who released him after training camp.

After a brief stint on the Panthers' practice squad, Jones signed with the Buffalo Bills in May 2024 but was cut after the preseason. He then joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in December 2024, where he had a fluctuating role on the practice squad before being re-signed for the 2025 season. In that season, he played in all 17 games, recording 29 tackles. Jones later signed with the New Orleans Saints for 2026 but was traded to the 49ers during training camp for running back Zamir White.