Training camp is always an important time of the year for NFL teams, and the Chicago Bears face their most significant one in years thanks to the addition of new head coach Ben Johnson. It finally feels like the organization has a clear direction, and fans hope to reap the benefits with exciting young quarterback Caleb Williams.
Despite some early hiccups, the offense is loaded with playmaking weapons like D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, Colston Loveland, D'Andre Swift, and more. We've seen examples in recent years of underwhelming options struggle.
One such player, former 2022 third-round pick Velus Jones Jr., looks to be on the chopping block with his new team during training camp. Without a big turnaround, he'll almost certainly be cut before it's all said and done.
Velus Jones Jr., New Orleans Saint ⚜️
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) March 17, 2025
✍️ https://t.co/5yBXq53jyB pic.twitter.com/hr6p7FATZX
Former Bears RB/WR Velus Jones Jr. Likely Cut Candidate at Training Camp
Jones signed a one-year contract worth just over $1 million this offseason with the New Orleans Saints, hoping to display his versatility and earn a gadget role on offense and return spot on special teams. Unfortunately for him, the Saints have veterans firmly ahead of him on the depth chart, and nothing in Jones' career to this point suggests that he'll overtake the guys in front.
He appeared in just three games in 2024, splitting time with the Bears and Carolina Panthers, notching just 19 yards from scrimmage. Jones showed some juice as a return man early in his career, picking up 607 kick return yards in his rookie campaign and 435 the following year, though injuries and general ineffectiveness limited his opportunities on the field.
Now, Rashid Shaheed is established as the top returner in New Orleans. Alvin Kamara, Kendre Miller, rookie Devin Neal, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are ahead at running back, while Chris Olave, Shaheed, Brandin Cooks, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Donovan Peoples-Jones, Bub Means, Dante Pettis, and others all have an advantage at wide receiver. Barring an injury to someone like Shaheed, it makes little sense for the Saints to keep Jones on the roster this fall.
At 28 years old, the former Tennessee star could theoretically carve out a role in Kellen Moore's system, but he's got significant work to do. Once a promising Deebo Samuel-type of player, Jones' best hope now likely comes as a practice squad player dependent on injuries in front of him. For a team like the Saints that's desperate to rebuild, investing in the aging Jones makes little sense.
Add Jones to the long list of draft pick failures by Chicago, though at least they had the foresight to move on when the opportunity presented itself. Nonetheless, here's hoping Jones is able to make the most of his new chance despite the long odds.