Does Bears WR Velus Jones Jr. have any trade value?

The days of counting on former third-round wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. to produce in the offense are over for the Chicago Bears. When Jones was drafted, general manager Ryan Poles hoped he’d develop into a future solution. That hasn’t happened, and Poles ensured they wouldn’t rely on their former bust this season by acquiring Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze to join D.J. Moore at the position.

Jones has recorded just 11 receptions across two professional seasons, but he does still possess value on special teams, particularly following the offseason’s rule changes to kickoff returns. A former SEC Special Teams Player of the Year, Jones averaged an impressive 27.2 yards per kickoff return throughout 2023, and that number could increase in 2024.

That’s precisely why The Bleacher Report believes Jones may have some trade value as training camp approaches.

“Velus Jones Jr.”s importance in the NFL grew in the offseason with the introduction of the new kickoff rules,” Joe Tansey wrote. “However, he may not directly benefit from those regulations with the Bears. The Bears have Dante Pettis and Tyler Scott on the roster as well. They could opt to go with Pettis or Scott on kick and punt returns over Jones since the Tennessee product experienced some struggles in the last two seasons.”

It’s true that Jones” value as an NFL player increased this offseason due to the newly-minted importance of rostering an effective kick returner ahead of 2024. The Bears would be very fortunate and absolutely thrilled to acquire any form of draft capital in exchange for the former Volunteers standout, a player that could be released at final cuts. Poles should attempt to flip Jones for a 2025 day-three draft selection.