The New Orleans Saints are making waves this season by signing Velus Jones Jr., a talented wide receiver who has had a bit of a wild ride in the NFL. Just this past Saturday night, the Saints secured a contract with Jones as they look to strengthen their roster and amp up their special teams play. This signing comes after Jones’ up-and-down journey since he entered the league.
From Chicago to New Orleans
Velus Jones Jr. was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but just a couple of years later, he found himself without a team when the Bears waived him on October 26, 2024. With his experience in the league, Jones’s signing is seen as a strategic move for the Saints, who are looking for a boost in their return game. After being let go by the Bears, he quickly joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad, and shortly after, the Carolina Panthers signed him to their active roster. Jones has displayed his skills in a total of three games with the Bears and Panthers, notching up some decent rushing and receiving yards along the way.
Stats That Speak Volumes
Throughout his time in the league, Velus Jones Jr.’s performance has shown great promise. Here are some of his key statistics:
| Team | Games Played | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Rushing Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carolina Panthers | 2 | 3 | 11 | 165 |
In addition to these statistics, he has tallied 40 kickoffs with an average of 26.5 yards, along with 5 punt returns averaging 7.0 yards. His versatility in both receiving and returning kicks makes him a valuable asset to the Saints.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Saints hope that Jones can recreate some of the success he had during his college career at the University of Tennessee, where he proved to be a standout player. Back in 2021, he had an impressive record with 62 receptions, achieving 807 receiving yards, while also excelling in special teams with an average of 27.3 yards per kickoff return and 15.1 yards per punt return. His achievements earned him the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year Award.
Strengthening the Roster
With the addition of Velus Jones Jr., the New Orleans Saints aim to enhance their roster significantly. Last season, several players returned kickoffs for the Saints, but none managed more than 11 returns. Bringing in Jones, who has a track record in return games, will provide the team with fresh energy and expertise in those crucial moments. Fans are excited to see how he will contribute to the team in the weeks ahead.
What Comes Next for Jones?
As Velus Jones Jr. joins his new team, all eyes will be on his performance in the coming games. Will he be able to leverage his unique skills to help the Saints make a significant impact this season? The anticipation is powerful, and the Saints’ fans are eager to cheer on Jones as he takes the field in New Orleans. His journey continues, and as he steps into this new chapter, many are hopeful that his career is just beginning to take flight.
