The Carolina Panthers officially added a couple of wide receivers on Tuesday. (Well, maybe one wide receiver and one wide receiver/running back/return specialist.)
As announced this afternoon, the team has signed Velus Jones Jr. to their active roster and Trenton Irwin to their practice squad. Jones’ signing was first reported on by Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports while Irwin’s dropped via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Jones, a former third-round pick of the Chicago Bears in 2022, comes over from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad. In his three seasons and 27 appearances for the Bears, the 27-year-old speedster amassed 135 receiving yards and 165 rushing yards while averaging 26.7 yards per kick return (39 attempts) and 7.0 yards per punt return (five attempts).
He now fills the roster spot left vacant by rookie running back Jonathon Brooks, who has been placed on injured reserve with his ACL tear.
Irwin, who previously crossed paths with current Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik during their time at Stanford University, has spent each of his six pro campaigns with the Cincinnati Bengals. He has recorded 46 receptions for 601 yards and five touchdowns.
To make room for Irwin on the practice squad, the Panthers released fellow wide receiver Dax Milne.
Carolina also signed defensive tackle Sam Roberts from their practice squad to the active roster. Defensive end DeShawn Williams, who appeared in 26 games for the team over the last two seasons, was waived to clear a spot for Roberts.
