Late Sunday night, it was reported that the San Francisco 49ers traded for New Orleans Saints linebacker Deion Jones. Jones, who played his first six pro seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, will reunite with defensive coordinator Raheem Morris in an attempt to prove he still has some juice left in the tank.
The move is surprising, given that the 49ers traded away running back Zamir White, even though their running-back room looks thin behind Christian McCaffrey. In the meantime, they add one more body to an already crowded linebacker room. While starters Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw will hardly feel the effects of the deal, a young rookie might find himself playing an unforeseen role.
Fifth-round selection Jaden Dugger has received nothing but praise in camp before the recent trade. The Louisiana product was drafted for his versatility. As a safety-turned-linebacker, he entered the league as a bit of a Swiss army knife, and the 49ers are apparently taking full advantage.
49ers have clear plan to exploit Jaden Dugger's versatility
Earlier in camp, Raheem Morris had Dugger taking reps as an edge rusher. Though the youngster hardly boasts experience at the position, the Niners obviously felt he was up for the task. Given that both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams already look questionable for Week 1, it appears the experiment may now be more than just a trial run.
Not including the rookie, the 49ers had four legitimate options to back up their starting inside linebacker tandem. Luke Gifford, Tatum Bethune, Nick Martin, and Garrett Wallow all resided on the depth chart in what was shaping up to be a competitive position battle.
The addition of Jones only adds to the fold. With such a cramped ILB room, it only makes sense for Jaden Dugger to make the permanent transition to the outside. It's a painfully obvious move for a team that is desperate for pass-rushing help. Dugger would have the opportunity to make an immediate impact. If he has as much promise as NFL pundits have been saying, it only makes sense to create opportunities to get him on the field.
The Niners may have tipped their hand by trading for Deion Jones. They have given up on trying to fit Jaden Dugger into their inside linebacker plans, and it might be the best thing for him. The opportunity for snaps lies elsewhere, and it seems the coaching staff are prepared to make the necessary changes to give him the playing time he deserves.
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