The Panthers are bringing in a pair of skill-position players to close out the season. Carolina is set to sign Velus Jones off the Jaguars’ practice squad, Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports. The team is also adding wideout Trenton Irwin on a taxi squad deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
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Jones had an underwhelming Bears tenure as both as receiver and a returner. Chicago attempted to use him at running back this offseason, but he made only one appearance before being waived in October. No claims were made, but in short order a new opportunity emerged. Jones signed with the Jaguars, taking a practice squad deal.
The 27-year-old was designated as a gameday elevation once by Jacksonville, but he has yet to see playing time with the Jags. Now, Jones will head to Carolina with an active roster spot in hand and therefore the opportunity to see action before the end of the year. He could play his way into an extended look with the Panthers depending on how he fares over the coming weeks.
Irwin has found himself on and off the Bengals’ roster and practice squad in recent years. The 29-year-old had spent the full 2024 campaign on the active roster until he was waived last week, a move which came after he made seven appearances in a depth role. Irwin’s most productive season came last year when he posted 25 catches, 316 yards and one touchdown. This move will allow him to reunite with offensive coordinator Brad Idzik, with whom he worked at Stanford. Rapoport notes a move to the active roster could come together in short order.
Carolina sits at 3-10 on the season, but the team has shown signs of improvement on offense in particular during recent weeks. Quarterback **Bryce Young**‘s second stint as the Panthers’ starter has included encouraging performances, and adding depth at the skill positions around him could aid his growth over the waning stages of the season.