BREAKING: Bears Physically Talented Star Lands With Saints After Shocking Exit From Chicago
The Chicago Bears have officially parted ways with former third-round pick, as the wide receiver and return specialist has now signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints. The move comes months after He’ abrupt and controversial departure from the Bears, marking the end of a tenure that was filled with promise but ultimately derailed by inconsistency.
A Disappointing End to a Once-Promising Tenure
He was selected by the Bears with the 71st overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, arriving in Chicago with high expectations due to his elite speed, versatility, and special teams ability. However, his time with the team never quite lived up to the hype. In two seasons, He played in 26 games but made only two starts. His production in Chicago was minimal—recording just 11 receptions for 127 yards and one touchdown, along with 154 rushing yards and another score.
While Velus Jones Jr. struggled to establish himself as a consistent offensive weapon, his most significant contributions came in the return game. Unfortunately, special teams would also be where his biggest mistakes occurred.
The Mistake That Cost Him His Spot
Jones’ fate with the Bears was effectively sealed in the 2024 season opener against the Tennessee Titans. While returning a kickoff, he made a crucial error—mishandling the ball as it slipped through his hands and bounced off his chest before hitting the ground. In an attempt to recover, he accidentally kicked the ball forward nearly 20 yards, allowing the Titans to pounce on it. The costly blunder resulted in a turnover, putting the Bears’ defense in a difficult position early in the game.
That moment was the last time Jones would take the field in a Bears uniform. He was benched immediately after the mishap and did not play another game for Chicago. The writing was on the wall, and shortly after, the team officially moved on from him.
A Fresh Start in New Orleans
Despite his struggles in Chicago, Jones’ athletic potential remains undeniable. It didn’t take long for him to find a new opportunity, with the New Orleans Saints deciding to take a chance on the former Bears receiver. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler first reported the signing, noting that the Saints see Jones as a possible depth piece for their offense and special teams unit.
The move gives Jones a fresh start in a system that may better utilize his raw speed and return ability. While he will have to prove himself in New Orleans, the Saints are hopeful that with better coaching and a new environment, he can live up to the expectations that once made him a third-round draft pick.
What This Means for the Bears
For Chicago, this officially closes the book on the Velus Jones Jr. experiment. The team had high hopes for the former Tennessee standout, but his lack of consistency and costly mistakes made it impossible to keep him on the roster. With the Bears focusing on a new era of offensive weapons and special teams contributors, Jones simply didn’t fit into their long-term plans.
Still, his story serves as a cautionary tale—raw athletic talent alone isn’t enough to sustain an NFL career. Jones now has a second chance with the Saints, but for the Bears, his departure is a reminder of the importance of reliability and execution in the league.
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