Saints Add Bears Receiver to Boost Receiving Corps and Return Game
The New Orleans Saints have reportedly signed former Chicago Bears wide receiver and return specialist Velus Jones, according to ESPN. The 27-year-old Jones, a third-round pick out of the University of Tennessee, had a challenging tenure with the Bears, struggling to make an impact. Despite his promising draft status, Jones managed just 300 yards from scrimmage over the course of 27 games with Chicago before the team released him in October of the previous year.
After his time with the Bears, Jones spent part of the 2023 season with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Carolina Panthers. While he was not a regular contributor on offense, he did appear in two games with the Panthers. Despite these limited opportunities, Jones’ role as a kick returner has been where he found the most success in his brief NFL career.
Over his first two seasons in the league, Jones made a noticeable impact in the return game, averaging 27.4 yards per return on 38 kick returns. This impressive average placed him second among all players with at least 30 returns during that period. His ability to provide a spark on special teams is something the Saints are likely hoping to tap into, as they aim to improve both their return game and overall team depth.
While Jones’ offensive role hasn’t fully materialized, his special teams capabilities are a significant asset. The Saints’ signing of Jones signals their confidence in his ability to contribute in key areas, particularly as a returner. His addition to the roster will likely give New Orleans a boost in the field position battle and offer them more flexibility in their game plans, especially on special teams. Whether Jones can carve out a more substantial role on offense remains to be seen, but his kick return ability offers a valuable skill set that could help the Saints in various situations moving forward.