The Velus Jones Era is officially over in Chicago, as the 4-2 Bears plan to cut the veteran on Saturday. A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jones’ selection was a head-scratching decision at the time, as he was an older prospect who turned 25 as a rookie. Head coach Matt Eberflus believed he could polish the Tennessee product, but that never came to pass. While he had a few explosive plays here and there, the hybrid wide receiver finished his Bears tenure with 12 receptions for 135 yards and a touchdown to go along with 165 rushing yards and an additional score.
Bears are planning to release RB/WR/returner Velus Jones on Saturday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 25, 2024
This type of production is not what Chicago envisioned when they took him with the 71st-overall pick, and Jones probably won’t ever live up to his athletic potential. However, that doesn’t mean he can’t earn another shot, even if it is just on another team’s practice squad. Seeing as he shouldn’t demand anything more than the league minimum, don’t be surprised if rebuilding teams like the Carolina Panthers or New Orleans Saints bring Velus Jones in after the cut and see if they can catch lightning in a bottle.
Bears Cut Velus Jones – Panthers, Saints Could Be Interested
After sporting the worst offense in the league in 2023, first-year head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan did everything they could to keep history from repeating itself. After spending big on the offensive line, trading for Diontae Johnson, and selecting Xavier Legette in the first round, the Panthers had the proper tools to support 2023 first-overall pick Bryce Young. While Young couldn’t make the most of these weapons, veteran quarterback Andy Dalton proved that a competent passer could succeed in this environment.
Unfortunately, Dalton wasn’t good enough to compensate for arguably the worst defense in football. At 1-6, Carolina’s season is effectively over and the team could trade veteran wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen. If those two go, the Panthers will have to rely on Legette, undrafted free agent Jalen Coker, and former second-round pick Jonathan Mingo. These three are anything but sure bets to pay off, so the Panthers might as well sign the recently cut Velus Jones and see if he has anything in his tank. If they’re lucky, they’ll find a reliable gadget player. However, if he continues to disappoint, then Carolina can part ways in the offseason with no harm done.
Desperate Saints
After a strong 2-0 start, the New Orleans Saints are fighting for their playoff lives. The team is starting to get healthy following their five-game losing streak, but they still need more help at wide receiver. Marquez Valdes-Scantling will fill in for the injured Rashid Shaheed, but that won’t be enough to regain the lead in an open NFC South. Velus Jones has yet to pan out at the NFL level, but the recently cut wideout could make a name for himself with New Orleans.
Losing Shaheed hurts the Saints offense, but it also impacts their special teams. The former undrafted free agent handled kick and punt return duties, and Jones has experience in that role. While he might not be the second coming of Devin Hester or Cordarelle Patterson, Velus Jones can provide some playmaking ability in the crucial third phase of the game.
Main Photo: Denny Medley – USA Today Sports
