The New Orleans Saints have added a new wide receiver to their roster, hoping to unlock his potential. After missing out on Cooper Kupp in free agency, who signed with the Seattle Seahawks, the Saints shifted their focus and signed Velus Jones Jr., a former third-round pick of the Chicago Bears. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first reported the news.
Jones, selected 71st overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, struggled to find a consistent role in Chicago. Over two seasons, he played in 26 games with two starts, recording 11 receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, he contributed 154 rushing yards and another score while returning 38 kickoffs. However, his performance as a returner ultimately led to his departure.
In the Bears’ 2024 season opener against the Tennessee Titans, Jones muffed a kickoff that resulted in a costly turnover. The ball slipped through his hands, bounced off his chest, and was inadvertently kicked 20 yards upfield, where Tennessee recovered it. Following this mistake, Jones was benched and remained inactive for the next five games before being released after Week 6.
He later joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad but did not play in a game. The Carolina Panthers signed him to their active roster in Week 15, where he had one carry and returned one kick in two appearances. Now, he gets another chance with New Orleans.
The Saints faced significant injuries at wide receiver in 2024. Chris Olave was placed on injured reserve due to a concussion, limiting him to just eight games, while Rashid Shaheed suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 6. With their receiving corps depleted, the Saints needed to add depth.
Shaheed also serves as the team’s primary kick returner. Given
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