Latest Bears move puts Velus Jones Jr. firmly on roster bubble

Former Chicago Bears 2022 third-round pick Velus Jones Jr. was already entering training camp on the roster bubble. The former Tennessee Volunteer hasn't developed into a contributor on offense. Jones Jr. has recorded just 11 receptions across two professional seasons.

Jones Jr. has contributed on special teams as a returner, but expectations were obviously higher. Jones Jr. was the Bears' primary kick returner last season. He returned 16 kicks for 435 yards and a solid average of 27.2 yards per return. The Bears' latest move in free agency further threatens to put his roster spot in danger.

The Bears agreed to terms with veteran special teams returner DeAndre Carter earlier this week. Carter, who previously played for the Bears in 2020, has returned 118 kicks and 132 punts throughout his career. He poses a threat to Jones Jr."s positioning as the kickoff returner.

@DCarter_2!

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 18, 2024

Last year's punt returner was Trent Taylor. Taylor signed with the San Francisco 49ers in unrestricted free agency earlier this offseason. Jones Jr. and Carter could be two of several players that will attempt to win that vacant job throughout training camp and the preseason as well.

The Bears made significant changes to their wide receiver room this offseason. Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze were added to fill out a dominant top three alongside D.J. Moore. Tyler Scott, a 2023 fourth-rounder, is higher than Jones Jr. on the depth chart as well.

The Bears are no longer reliant on Jones Jr. to develop into a contributor on offense. His roster position was already in danger once better players like Odunze and Allen were acquired. Now that a similar special teams ace like Carter is also on the roster, Jones Jr. could be playing elsewhere in 2024 as the Bears prepare to move on from a 2022 draft-weekend mistake.