The New Orleans Saints made a late effort to sign Cooper Kupp in free agency, but after the veteran receiver chose the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, they shifted focus to a lesser-known player with potential.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on X, the Saints reached an agreement with Velus Jones Jr. Originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 draft, Jones most recently played for the Carolina Panthers.
During his time in Chicago, Jones had limited opportunities, appearing in 26 games over two seasons with only two starts. He recorded 11 receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown, along with 154 rushing yards and another score. Additionally, he returned 38 kickoffs, but struggles in the return game ultimately led to his departure.
The Saints take a chance on WR/KR Velus Jones Jr.
In the Chicago Bears’ 2024 season opener against the Tennessee Titans, Velus Jones Jr. muffed a kickoff, leading to a costly turnover. The ball slipped through his hands, bounced off his chest, and fell to the turf before he accidentally kicked it 20 yards upfield, where the Titans recovered. That mistake marked the end of his time with the Bears, as he never played another game for them.
Chicago made Jones inactive for the next five games before releasing him after Week 6. He then joined the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad but never saw game action. Later in the season, the Carolina Panthers signed him to their active roster in Week 15, where he had one carry and returned one kickoff across two games. Now, Jones is getting another shot with the New Orleans Saints.
The Saints dealt with injuries at wide receiver in 2024. Chris Olave was placed on injured reserve with 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 are in desperate need of depth.
Shaheed also serves as New Orleans’ primary kick returner, but after emerging as a key receiving option last season, the team may prefer to have him focus on that role while allowing Jones to handle return duties—assuming he proves capable. Regardless, Jones is a low-cost depth addition who could contribute in both areas.
Still, the Saints are expected to target more receiving help in the draft. New head coach Kellen Moore aims to equip quarterback Derek Carr with as many playmakers as possible. However, the team hasn’t made significant offensive upgrades in free agency, aside from re-signing tight end Juwan Johnson to a three-year deal.
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