To be frank, we’ve mulled over this notion for the Chicago Bears.
Had we chosen to unveil this idea on April Fool’s Day, it might have been dismissed as a jest. However, let’s make it clear: there’s no jest here when we suggest that Velus Jones Jr could potentially offer renewed value for the Chicago Bears in the upcoming season. Yet, any anticipation of Jones making significant offensive contributions for the Bears should be tempered. Jones has grappled with a fundamental aspect of being an offensive playmaker: consistently catching the ball.
Moreover, even when Jones did manage to secure a catch, he often struggled to navigate through running lanes. This deficiency led to his replacement as a return specialist last season by Trent Taylor.
However, there might be a glimmer of hope for Jones in the 2024 season, likely his last chance to make an impact with the Bears. Amidst the flurry of coverage from the NFL Annual Meetings last week, one development went relatively unnoticed: the approval of a new kickoff format to be trialed during the upcoming season. Adam Hoge of CHGO brilliantly summarized the new format in a tweet. While this alteration won’t alleviate Jones’ catching woes, it should place a greater emphasis on the returner’s ability to exploit openings and utilize their speed to advance downfield.
This kickoff format adjustment could potentially prolong Jones’ tenure on the Bears’ roster beyond the preseason. Additionally, it might open up opportunities for players like Tyler Scott, as the new format allows for two returners on the field simultaneously.