‘Hard Knocks’ Reveals Bears Set High Trade Price for Velus Jones
The Chicago Bears felt confident about Velus Jones Jr.’s switch from wide receiver to running back during 2024 training camp — so confident that general manager Ryan Poles set a high trade price when one team came calling about Jones’ trade availability ahead of the 53-man roster cutdown on August 27.
The final episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears” featured a behind-the-scenes conversation between Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus centered on another team inquiring about Jones.
While the September 3 episode did not specify which team asked about Jones or whether the team made a trade offer to the Bears, it did reveal Poles set the bar high in terms of compensation.
“I’m just trying to draw the line and say what I would do, what I wouldn’t do. I would never go below a four [fourth-round pick],” Poles said. “The value, does it make sense on paper? That’s unbelievable value. Does it make sense for the Bears right now? No.”
The “value” to which Poles is referring suggests the Bears had an offer to weigh, though the episode did not make that clear. Either way, Poles’ compensation demand speaks to how much Jones has enriched his value with the Bears over the past month.
Will Velus Jones Finally Break Out at Running Back?
The Bears moved Jones — a 2022 third-round pick — to running back at the beginning of August in hopes of giving him one more chance to make the roster. He had stood out as a kick returner over his first two seasons, but he had also failed to make an impact as a wide receiver, catching 11 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown over 26 career games.
Fortunately for Jones, the change took naturally. He quickly caught on at the position and impressed the staff enough to earn reps out of the backfield during the preseason. He then made the most of his opportunities, rushing 25 times for 158 yards and two touchdowns and showing off his ability to navigate traffic as a ball carrier.
