It has been a wild ride for wideout-turned-running back Velus Jones Jr. since getting released by the Chicago Bears this time last year. Despite his disappointing tenure in Chicago, Jones continued to get chances but wasn't able to find a permanent home.
After beginning 2025 with the New Orleans Saints, Jones was eventually waived, brought back to the practice squad, and released again, all in the month of October. Now, before the month ends, Jones gets another opportunity to revive his struggling NFL career.
NFL insider Aaron Wilson reported on Wednesday afternoon that Jones was joining the Seattle Seahawks' practice squad. This will be Jones' fourth team in the year since leaving Chicago.
Velus Jones Jr. Gets Another NFL Opportunity to Revive Career
This signing comes on the heels of the Seahawks' wide receiver and kick returner Dareke Young leaving Week 7 early with an injury. After having their bye in Week 8, the Seahawks released their first injury report on Wednesday, which listed Young as a non-participant in practice. With Young's availability in question for Sunday, the Seahawks wanted to get insurance in the building, especially in the return game.
Jones has been listed and utilized as a running back in New Orleans, and that continues to be the case in Seattle, according to the team's official website. Yet, his value will continue to come on special teams. In his five games this season, Jones had eight kick returns for 183 yards, an average of 22.9 yards, significantly lower than his numbers as a Bear.
Before the 2025 season started, Jones made a declaration that he was the fastest player on the Saints. Even if we take that to be true, the 28-year-old's struggles had little to do with speed. His fumbling issues, both on offense and on returns, have been a constant source of frustration for the Bears. As a rookie in Chicago, he touched the ball a total of 16 times all season, and somehow managed to fumble the ball in three of those. In the same season, he muffed two punts, costing the Bears significantly.
Those issues never went away during his Bears tenure, eventually leading to his release last season.
The fact that Jones wasn't able to crack the RB rotation in New Orleans despite the team losing Kendre Miller for the season and struggling offensively all year doesn't bode well for his future. The Seahawks have higher aspirations, and it's difficult to imagine Jones having a role more significant than a backup return man.