Alright, I’m hoping to have an actual discussion here.
The Chicago Bears have a Velus Jones problem.
When I decided to ask this question, I was confident that there would be plenty of comments like “Fire him into the sun,” but I’m hoping we can have a conversation about Velus and his role with the Chicago Bears in 2024.
Question of the Day: What should the Chicago Bears do with Velus Jones Jr.?
This question is about 2024, not 2025. I know we can easily say the Chicago Bears should move on from Jones next season. We know Ryan Poles loves him and feels like they should be able to unlock something in him, but we saw this year that roster spots are getting precious as the depth on this team continues to be built, so keeping a project like Jones and hoping to catch lightning in a bottle just may not be possible.
As we examine the Jones situation, let’s keep in mind that Ryan Poles turned down a trade for him at the end of the preseason. So even a response of, “Cut him, now!” may be what many Bears fans want, but is it something the Poles would do just weeks after declining to trade him?
I would also have to say that if Poles tried to re-engage that team in talks the return probably wouldn’t be what it was just a couple of weeks ago.
So where does that leave the Bears? It leaves the Bears with a kick returner with questionable hands but with the explosive speed that the Bears would like to utilize to help them win games, but can they afford the risk to have him on the field?
My answer: For me, I will try to stay as objective as I can. I have been against the Velus Jones draft pick since he was drafted. I never like older prospects who break out in one year (it tends to be because of physical development from being 2-4 years older than your competition rather than skill). The dropped balls, fumbles on punts and kicks, and all of Jones’ struggles have confirmed that for me.
I think it’s safe to say that unless things drastically change for Velus as a running back, there’s no reason for him to return to the 2025 Bears. But for the 2024 Bears, the path is murkier.
At this point, I think the Bears need to de-activate Jones. It’s a long season. There’s going to be injuries. If Khalil Herbert is traded or is injured, the player who has the best chance to fill his role would be Jones.
Let Velus continue to work with the running backs and see if he grows in that position. Keep him on the 53 but deactivate him on Sundays. If (and let’s be honest, when) there’s an injury that opens the door for Jones to play, you can see what he can do as a running back.
I understand why the Bears want Jones to return kicks, his skill set is perfect for the new dynamic kickoff. But do you know who also has that skill set? Khalil Herbert and DeAndre Carter. I would let them handle kickoffs and keep Jones as your top sub at the kick returner position and know he can step in if needed.
Jones is just too dangerous as the primary kick returner. Those three points from his fumble could have cost the Bears the game, and eventually, if he continues to make those mistakes, it will cost them a win this season.
As we approach the deadline, if a team calls about Jones, if I were the Bears, I would trade him, even if it was just a seventh-round pick at this point. However, Poles is on the record (on Hard Knocks) of saying it would have to be a fourth. It is a very safe assumption that no one will give the Bears a four for a former third-round pick with less than two years of control that has never shown anything substantial on a football field on Sundays. If Poles holds firm there, Jones will remain a Bear.
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