Former Bears draft pick gets another shot at the NFL with Saints
The New Orleans Saints kept busy through the weekend and added another free agent to the mix -- ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports the Saints are signing Velus Jones Jr., the former Chicago Bears draft pick who ended last season with the Carolina Panthers. He also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad in 2024.
Jones, 27, was picked in the third round of the 2022 draft after playing college football at USC and Tennessee. While his official position is listed at wide receiver, the Bears moved Jones to running back last summer in an effort to get him going on offense. He's appeared in 29 games but totaled more rushing yards (165 on 20 carries) than receiving yards (135 on 12 catches, from 22 targets).
He's best known for his work as a returns specialist. While Jones has gained just 35 yards on five punt returns in his three-year career, he's done better on kick returns, with a 1,061 yards gained on 40 tries (an average of 26.5 yards per return). But he needs to work on his ball security with muffed three returns in his career.
Expect Jones to compete with Dante Pettis in the return game. The new coaching staff may reduce Rashid Shaheed's workload in the game's third phase given his importance to the offense, so it makes sense to have someone in the building who can be trusted to field punts and kickoffs. That might end up being Jones.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints sign Bears draft bust, kick returns specialist Velus Jones Jr.
-
In surprise move, the Saints are getting a comp pick in the 2025 NFL draft after all
The Saints are getting a comp pick in the 2025 NFL draft after all. Here's how the NFL botched it and what they've done to clean up the mess.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Saints reportedly signing former No. 2 overall pick Chase Young to $51M deal
Young has failed to live up to the expectations that made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. But the Saints like what they've seen enough to bet on his upside.Yahoo Sports - 5d -
Saints agree to terms with Velus Jones
The Saints are set to make an addition on the offensive side of the ball.Yahoo Sports - 7h -
2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears target top skill players at No. 10
In our latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft roundup, experts believe the Bears will target two of the top offensive players with the 10th overall pick.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
NFL changes compensatory pick allotment, giving one to Saints and taking one from Dolphins
Someone at the league office forgot to check their work before announcing the compensatory picks for the 2025 NFL draft.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Saints DE Chase Young training with his college coach, Ohio State's Larry Johnson
Chase Young inked a lucrative extension with the Saints, but he's still working hard. He'll train with his college coach Larry Johnson this offseason.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Former LSU offensive lineman Will Clapp signs with New Orleans Saints
A former LSU football offensive linemen signed with the New Orleans Saints marking a return to his hometown teamYahoo Sports - 2d -
NFL Free Agency: Fantasy Football winners and losers and what it means for 2025 drafts
The Bears have massively upgraded protection for the former No. 1 overall pickCBS Sports - 1d -
Bears' new additions have Jaquan Brisker 'itching' to get back on the field
Chicago Bears safety Jaquan Brisker is sharing his excitement to return to the field after the team's free agency moves.Yahoo Sports - 1d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Warriors' win streak continues to grow after holding off Knicks in tight battle, 97-94
The Warriors' win streak moved to a season-high seven straight after they held off the Knicks in a close battle, 97-94.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Where Texas basketball stands: Current forecast on Longhorns' NCAA Tournament chances
Where Texas Longhorns basketball March Madness bracketology and predictions stand on Selection Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
How to Watch NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday - Will the Texas Longhorns get in?
Will the Texas Longhorns get into the NCAA Tournament? All eyes will be on the Selection Sunday announcement of the tourney field.Yahoo Sports - 15m -
Is Leicester vs Manchester United on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
Everything you need to know ahead of the fixtureYahoo Sports - 18m -
Is Liverpool vs Newcastle on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch Carabao Cup final
The Carabao Cup holders Liverpool face a Newcastle team who have not won a major domestic trophy in 70 yearsYahoo Sports - 18m
More in Sports
-
Warriors' win streak continues to grow after holding off Knicks in tight battle, 97-94
The Warriors' win streak moved to a season-high seven straight after they held off the Knicks in a close battle, 97-94.Yahoo Sports - 12m -
Where Texas basketball stands: Current forecast on Longhorns' NCAA Tournament chances
Where Texas Longhorns basketball March Madness bracketology and predictions stand on Selection Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
How to Watch NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday - Will the Texas Longhorns get in?
Will the Texas Longhorns get into the NCAA Tournament? All eyes will be on the Selection Sunday announcement of the tourney field.Yahoo Sports - 15m -
Men's Bracketology: The Mountain West will see four teams -- for now
Colorado State beat Boise State for the Mountain West title, and automatic bid. This is good news for Indiana.ESPN - 18m -
Is Leicester vs Manchester United on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
Everything you need to know ahead of the fixtureYahoo Sports - 18m