Grade the signing: Jaguars ink reclamation project Velus Jones amid injuries at WR

The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a massive blow when they lost Christian Kirk to a season-ending injury in the Week 8 loss to the Green Bay Packers. To make matters worse, fellow receivers Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr. are also day-to-day after also getting hurt in the contest. To address the need for depth at the position, Jacksonville has signed Velus Jones Jr.

Ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Jags added Jones to their practice squad. Projected to be a Day 3 pick, the former Tennessee Vols got the spotlight when the Chicago Bears took him in the third round of the 2022 draft.

At the time, the Bears needed help at wide receiver after losing Allen Robinson in free agency but the decision to overdraft Jones certainly raised eyebrows. On top of that, it added unnecessary pressure to his shoulders. Granted, he was a superb returner at the collegiate level but had his work cut out to succeed as a receiver in the pros. To nobody's surprise, he came crashing down.

Jones went on to appear in 27 games with two starts for the Bears, hauling in a measly 12 receptions for 135 yards with one touchdown. After playing in the season opener, he was a healthy scratch for the following five games. The Chicago brass felt that it had seen enough and decided to waive him. Now, the Mobile, Alabama native will get a fresh start in Jacksonville.

What grade do the Jaguars reserve for the Velus Jones Jr. signing?

Given that Velus Jones Jr. will have three accrued seasons by the end of 2024, he'll be a restricted free agent next year. For the time being, signing him to the practice squad is a low-risk, high-reward move in light of the injuries the Jacksonville Jaguars have experienced in recent weeks.

Jones won't take up a roster spot, but he could come in handy if let's say Brian Thomas Jr. or Gabe Davis don't suit up for Week 9 or any other game this season. This is a realistic scenario when you take into account that both of them are day-to-day after suffering injuries in the loss against the Packers.

Similarly, the former third-round pick could see time on special teams if the coaching staff wants to take some pressure off returner Parker Washington, who'll also be filling in for Christian Kirk on offense. Keilan Robinson is back after starting the season on Injured Reserve but he's yet to make his debut, and if he struggles, Jones could take his place.

The truth is that Jones was in need of a fresh start and he'll get it with the Jaguars. If he impresses the team's brass, maybe he'll be signed to a future contract and will be given an opportunity to compete for a roster spot in 2025. And if he falters, Jacksonville can release him with minimal risk.

All things considered, adding Velus Jones Jr. to the practice squad is a solid depth move.

Grade: B

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