The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly acquiring some speedy help.
According to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, the Seahawks are signing WR/RB and return specialist Velus Jones Jr. as they approach the NFLâs trade-deadline stretch. Though no official Seahawks press release had appeared at the time of writing, the multiple independent reports lend strong credibility to the move.
Who Is Velus Jones Jr.?
Jones was selected in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft (No. 71 overall) by the Chicago Bears, according to his public profile. Known for elite straight-line speedâhe ran a reported 4.31-second 40-yard dashâJones brought excitement as a prospect. In his early NFL tenure with Chicago, his offensive output was minimal (12 receptions for 135 yards) but his special-teams contributions were more significant:Â he averaged 25.9 yards per kickoff return across 24 attempts, according to Pro Football Reference. In March 2025, the New Orleans Saints signed Jones as a WR/RB/KR/PR. Later that year, New Orleans waived him on October 7 after eight kickoff returns for 183 yards.
If Jonesâ name sounds familiar, it may be because he appeared in HBOâs hit series, Hard Knocks. The series showcased an in-depth look at his time in Chicago, including the highs and lows of training camp, culminating in a tense cut-day decision that saw Jones earn a roster spot.Â
Why Seattle Could Be Interested
Seattle has a clear need for special-teams depth, particularly in the return game; the trade-deadline context intensifies the urgency. The arrival of Jones would bring a proven return specialist with game-changing speed and prior experience at multiple NFL clubs. His prior work as a gadget player (RB/WR hybrid) also fits the Seahawksâ modern usage of versatile offensive pieces.Â
Key Questions and Watch-List
Until the Seahawks release a roster transaction, the signing remains reported. Second, how will Seattle utilize Jones? Will his role focus solely on special teams, or will he receive snaps as a multi-position offensive threat? Third, what impact might he have on games? If Jones can consistently flip field position via kick returns or contribute as a situational offensive weapon, this could mark a meaningful mid-season upgrade.
The timing of the move had at least one media member questioning why? Corbin Smith of Emerald Spectrum wondered if the move was tied to the health of wide receiver Dareke Youngâs health. Young has not recorded a catch since October 5, when he caught one pass for 36 yards. This season he hass 10 returns for 322 yards A hip injury has limited his time on the field since then.Â
Lastly, the timing is critical: if the signing is confirmed, integration will need to be rapid in order to impact Week 9 and beyond. As the Seahawks hunt a strong finish and compete in the NFC West, Jonesâs contribution could prove timely.
The Seahawks currently get return game production from George Holani (14 kickoffs for 358 yards), Tory Horton (16 punts for 238 yards) and Cody White (two kickoffs for 59 yards).
The Seahawks (5-2) next play in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders, providing a potential early window to evaluate how Jones might fit into their rotation once the move becomes official.
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