The Seahawks are adding a little more speed to their backfield ahead of their matchup with the 49ers, elevating running back Velus Jones Jr. to the active roster.
Jones, 28, has taken quite the NFL journey since being drafted by the Bears in the third round of the 2022 draft. A former standout return man at both USC and Tennessee, Jones earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2019 and first-team All-SEC recognition in 2021-both as a dynamic kick returner. That burst and versatility made him an intriguing prospect coming into the league.
His rookie deal with Chicago was a four-year contract worth just over $5.4 million, including a $1.1 million signing bonus. But after two seasons of trying to carve out a consistent role, the Bears waived him in October. From there, Jones bounced around a bit-first landing on the Jaguars' practice squad, then finishing out the season with the Panthers.
In March, he signed with the Saints and eventually earned a promotion to the active roster after a stint on the practice squad. But New Orleans ultimately moved on, and the Seahawks scooped him up not long after.
In 2025, Jones saw action in eight games between the Saints and Seahawks. Though his touches were limited-just four carries for 32 yards-he showed flashes of the speed and physicality that made him a college standout.
Now, with Seattle gearing up for a tough divisional clash, Jones gets another shot to contribute. Whether he factors in on special teams, as a change-of-pace back, or both, his elevation adds another layer of explosiveness to the Seahawks' game-day roster.