The New Orleans Saints have made a notable addition during the first wave of free agency, officially signing former Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. to a one-year deal. The move not only gives the Saints a speedy playmaker but also reunites Jones with his former college teammate, running back Alvin Kamara.
Jones, who was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, struggled to make a consistent impact during his time in Chicago. Known for his blazing speed and special teams ability, Jones showed flashes of potential but was ultimately underutilized in the Bears’ offensive system. Now, with a fresh start in New Orleans, he’ll have the chance to reignite his career alongside Kamara, who also starred for the Vols before becoming one of the NFL’s premier running backs.
The reunion has excited Tennessee fans and Saints supporters alike, as the duo once shared the field in Knoxville. During their time as Vols, Kamara and Jones displayed electrifying playmaking ability, with Kamara carving out a role as a dynamic, dual-threat back and Jones showcasing his versatility as both a receiver and returner.
In New Orleans, Jones is expected to contribute immediately on special teams, where his elite speed could make him a dangerous return specialist. However, with the Saints looking to add explosiveness to their offense, Jones could also carve out a role as a deep-threat receiver or gadget player, adding another layer of versatility to the unit.
The one-year deal is considered low-risk, high-reward for the Saints, who hope that Jones can rediscover the form that made him a standout in college. With Kamara already established as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers, the familiarity between the two could help Jones settle in quickly.
As the Saints continue to retool their roster for the 2025 season, the reunion of these former Tennessee teammates adds both nostalgia and potential firepower to the team’s offensive arsenal.
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