Who returns punts next season?

[Aesopian]

Dante Pettis did a fine job handling the majority of the team’s opportunities in 2022. He totaled 18 returns for 163 yards (9.1 AVG). Jones struggled mightily in the return game with a couple of costly fumbles early in the season. He returned just five punts for 35 yards.

Stevenson returned 12 punts for 133 yards (that’s an 11.1 yards/return average) in 32 games from 2020-22.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1570212725594419200

 

[PrimeTime]

Jones was SEC special teams player of the year. Averaged over 15 yards per punt return. Part of the reason the Bears drafted him was to return punts and kickoffs. I would hope a competent coaching staff would be able to get him over his rookie year yips.

 

[legendxofxlink]

VJJ has been hitting the jugs all offseason. He's easily the best returner on the team if he can keep from making mistakes.

 

[YoungPA]

Pettis won't make the 53. They'll keep 6 wr's.

1.) Moore
2.) Claypool
3.) Mooney
4.) EQ
5.) Velus Jones
6.) Tyler Scott

Pettis (cut)

 

[Chicago Staleys]

VJJ or Johnson

 

[hyatt151]

give Scott a look

 

[bears51/40]

VJJ returns both kicks and punts. He had muffs against left footed punters, that's why the Bears signed one in the offseason to show Jones that different look.

 

[Bears4Ever_34]

If Stevenson is the starting outside CB in week 1, I doubt the Bears would use him as a returner in order to save his body for the full time grind at CB, but I wouldn't rule it out entirely. Jones should get a good look in pre-season as the returner, but I don't think I'll ever be able to trust him again after the disaster that was last year with all those costly fumbles in critical situations.

My guess is that Pettis and Jones battle it out for the final roster spot in training camp. I don't see them keeping 7 WR's on the roster, and I don't see them cutting ESB because of his blocking ability.

 

[Enasic]

I’d keep VJJ on KO only but the staff may think otherwise

 

[HeHateMe]

i too was up at 2 a.m. worrying about this.

 

[cameronkrazie86]

If Velus isn't returning punts, I don't know that he'll still be on the roster.

 

[msadows]

If Stevenson is the starting outside CB in week 1, I doubt the Bears would use him as a returner in order to save his body for the full time grind at CB, but I wouldn't rule it out entirely. Jones should get a good look in pre-season as the returner, but I don't think I'll ever be able to trust him again after the disaster that was last year with all those costly fumbles in critical situations.

My guess is that Pettis and Jones battle it out for the final roster spot in training camp. I don't see them keeping 7 WR's on the roster, and I don't see them cutting ESB because of his blocking ability.

I wouldnt be shocked if they even keep just 5.

If Velus isn't returning punts, I don't know that he'll still be on the roster.

Basically. But I think he's getting the first shot at the 6th spot. If he doesnt look improved and more polished he gone.

Pettis seems like a backup plan if VJJ fails.


Who knows, could also be a surprise June1st vet cut somewhere that would fit as a KR.

 

[Anytime23]

Jones was SEC special teams player of the year. Averaged over 15 yards per punt return. Part of the reason the Bears drafted him was to return punts and kickoffs. I would hope a competent coaching staff would be able to get him over his rookie year yips.

So are we blaming coaches for him fumbling punts?

 

[Nelly]

Velus showed a little more as a receiver as the season went on. Not a lot, but at least something. I would bet they'll give him another shot at returning punts. They won't want to cut bait on a third rounder that Fields himself reportedly wanted after only one season where the whole team was a mess in many ways.

 

[JoJoBoxer]

i too was up at 2 a.m. worrying about this.

Well, at least you got 12 hours of rest in between worrying and posting your reply.

How do you feel about it now?

 

[HeHateMe]

Well, at least you got 12 hours of rest in between worrying and posting your reply.

How do you feel about it now?

ambiguous

 

[msadows]

Velus showed a little more as a receiver as the season went on. Not a lot, but at least something. I would bet they'll give him another shot at returning punts. They won't want to cut bait on a third rounder that Fields himself reportedly wanted after only one season where the whole team was a mess in many ways.

Dont really care about him at WR anymore. It's clear he's at best a 1 trick pony(Deep balls ocassionaly). Tyler Scott basically was his replacement for the RPO/Sweep/Deep shot game.


I just don't like him at KR cause he's not reliable. He performed okay in his KR role later but his hands and ball security were terrible all year long. Dunno if you can depend on a guy like him to be a KR for a good team.

 

[Zero2Cool]

Anyone except Devin Hester, please.

Mooney is shifty, isn't he? If not him, probably that Pettis kid.

 

[Nelly]

Dont really care about him at WR anymore. It's clear he's at best a 1 trick pony(Deep balls ocassionaly). Tyler Scott basically was his replacement for the RPO/Sweep/Deep shot game.

Maybe but you still want a guy who can play the position in a pinch.

 

[msadows]

Maybe but you still want a guy who can play the position in a pinch.

Put him on the practice squad lol