Recent NFL transaction could be bad news for former Tennessee Vols WR
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Velus Jones Jr appeared to get some good news on Tuesday, but that may not be the case. Jones, a third round selection by the Chicago Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft, wasn't among the Bears' final roster cuts on Tuesday ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown deadline. But that […]
Former Tennessee Vols wide receiver Velus Jones Jr appeared to get some good news on Tuesday, but that may not be the case.
Jones, a third round selection by the Chicago Bears in the 2022 NFL Draft, wasn't among the Bears' final roster cuts on Tuesday ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown deadline.
But that doesn't mean his roster spot is secure.
The former Vol struggled at times last season with ball security issues on kick returns (his primary job with the Bears), even receiving some public criticism from Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus at one point last year — which is why his roster spot has been in doubt.
On Wednesday, the Bears signed former Cincinnati Bengals punt returner/slot receiver Trent Taylor, who is essentially the same type of player as Jones.
Bears fans on social media immediately speculated that the signing of Taylor could mean the end of Jones' time in Chicago.
It's not uncommon for NFL teams to waive a player shortly after they initially make the 53-man roster (the Minnesota Vikings actually released wide receiver Jalen Reagor on Wednesday after he survived final cuts on Tuesday).
It's been a tough go for Jones so far in the NFL. But he has elite speed and he showed during his time at Tennessee that he can be an electric player. This could be a situation where Chicago just isn't the right place for him.
While it's still possible that Jones could stick on Chicago's roster this fall, it's looking increasingly likely that he'll be looking for a new home soon.
Update:
Bears GM Ryan Poles said on Wednesday that Jones will remain in the mix, so it sounds like his roster spot is safe for now.
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