Former Bears RB/WR Velus Jones Jr. signs with Jaguars

Velus Jones Jr. has found a new home. The former Chicago Bears running back/wide receiver/kick return specialist is signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced on Tuesday. The news was first reported by Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team. Jones was let go from the Bears on Friday afternoon and cleared waivers on Monday.

The Bears drafted Jones in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was Ryan Poles' first offensive selection as Bears general manager, and hopes were high for the speedster out of Tennessee. Unfortunately, Jones never panned out in Chicago, despite getting numerous chances to contribute. He struggled as a wide receiver and couldn't properly field punt or kick returns. His usage began to dwindle near the end of the 2023 season.

After two seasons of very little production, the Bears coaching staff decided to convert him to a running back and believed his physicality and speed would be a big benefit when it came to the league's new kickoff rule over the summer. In Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans, however, Jones muffed a kick return and never saw the field again for the Bears after that game. Jones finished his Bears career with 165 rushing yards and one touchdown and 135 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Now, Jones gets a fresh start for the Jaguars, who are dealing with multiple injuries at their skill positions. Perhaps a new team will help him get his career back on track.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Former Bears RB/WR Velus Jones Jr. signs with Jaguars