Hated Bears Player Given Second Chance by NFC Team

Former Chicago Bears running back/wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. had a rough time in the Windy City as he could never find his footing. Jones was taken in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft to be a playmaker.

However, the former University of Tennessee standout failed to deliver, barely making an impact in his first two years in the NFL – 281 scrimmage yards and two total touchdowns on 28 touches.

Chicago tried to give Jones another chance this season as he switched from wide receiver to running back, which helped him make the 53-man roster. But Jones had a disastrous special teams miscue in Week 1, which sealed his fate with the Bears.

The former third-round pick was released by Chicago in late October but was signed a few days later to the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. 

Jones didn’t receive any playing time with the Jags, but that will change soon as he’s joining a new team.

According to FOX Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the former Bears RB/WR was signed to the Carolina Panthers active roster from the Jaguars practice squad.

The former third-round pick has an immediate chance to make an impact for the Panthers, who are banged up in the backfield. Jones Jr. is joining a team that doesn’t have many expectations but has many opportunities to stick on the roster.

Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear, Carolina’s primary kick returner, is dealing with a chest injury he suffered in Week 14. Jones could see the field immediately if Blackshear cannot play in Week 15.

That said, Bears fans will be watching to see if the former third-round pick has learned from his miscues with this new opportunity. If Jones can't stick with the Panthers, it's hard to envision him being a solid NFL player.

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