Wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. is signing with the #Saints, per source. Former third-round pick by Chicago was last with Carolina.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 16, 2025
The former Tennessee Volunteer was very productive in head coach Josh Heupel’s system with quarterback Hendon Hooker and fellow wide receiver Jalin Hyatt while in Knoxville.
After arriving in the pros as a Chicago Bears draft pick, Jones was used more sparingly in the receiving game than as a rusher. The wideout has run the ball more than he has caught it, with 20 carries for 165 yards compared to 12 receptions for 135 yards. He does have one career touchdown in each area of the game.
He spent a portion of the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers, as well.
Jones will team up again with fellow Volunteer and cornerback Alontae Taylor while ideally being utilized more as a pass-catcher than ball-carrier.
In his final collegiate season, Jones reeled in 62 receptions for 807 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches. He also led the SEC with 623 kick return yards and 272 punt return yards.
Jones provides the Saints with a young, 5-foot-11, 204-pound wideout boasting 4.31 speed, rushing ability, and an additional option in the return game. How New Orleans and new head coach Kellen Moore try to leverage that ability will be interesting to watch.
