Amid the Crisis, the Saints Find Light – They Don't Buy Stars, They Create Them: The Story of Two Young RBs Turning Adversity into Opportunity.

Amid the Crisis, the Saints Find Light – They Don't Buy Stars, They Create Them: The Story of Two Young RBs Turning Adversity into Opportunity.

New Orleans, Louisiana – October 22, 2025

In a season clouded by injuries and disappointment, the New Orleans Saints may have just reignited hope through two seemingly small but deeply promising names — Velus Jones Jr. and Audric Estimé. These two signings not only fill the void left by Kendre Miller’s ACL injury but also inject new energy, speed, and power into an offense still searching for its identity.

⚡ Velus Jones Jr. – Speed, burst, and pure energy every time he touches the ball

Standing 6’0” and weighing 200 pounds, Velus Jones Jr. embodies energy — fast, fluid, and fearless in contact. A third-round pick (71st overall) by the Chicago Bears in 2022, Jones is more than just a running back; he’s a return specialist and a big-play weapon capable of changing momentum in an instant.

Across 34 NFL games, Jones has logged 20 carries for 165 yards (8.3 avg) and 1 rushing touchdown, along with 12 receptions for 135 yards. In the 2025 season alone, he’s already notched 7 kickoff returns for 174 yards, including several explosive runs that brought the crowd at Caesars Superdome to its feet.

“Velus brings the kind of speed and effort every coach loves to see,” said head coach Kellen Moore. “He doesn’t just add versatility to our backfield — he brings energy to the entire locker room every time he’s on the field.”

Jones’s strength lies in his versatility — capable of playing RB, WR, or special teams returner, he gives the Saints flexibility and unpredictability. With Alvin Kamara shouldering most of the offensive load, Velus represents the spark this team desperately needs.

💪 Audric Estimé – Power, poise, and maturity beyond his 22 years

If Jones symbolizes speed, then Audric Estimé represents strength and grit. At just 22, Estimé made his mark at Notre Dame, rushing for 2,097 yards and 24 touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards per carry, and earning an 85.0 PFF grade, ranking him among the top 10 college running backs of 2023.

After being selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Estimé appeared in 13 games, rushing for 310 yards and 2 touchdowns, displaying strong inside running and excellent yards-after-contact ability. Now joining the Saints’ practice squad, he’s viewed as a “raw gem” ready to shine.

“Estimé has the mindset of a warrior,” Moore said. “He might not be a household name, but he’s exactly the kind of player you want when you need three yards and a first down. We’re lucky to have him here.”

⚜️ Two small contracts, one big impact

Both players joined the Saints on low-cost deals — Jones on a 1-year, $1.15 million contract, and Estimé on a standard practice squad deal worth $8,200 per week — but their potential value goes far beyond the numbers.

With the Saints (1–6) rebuilding after losing Kendre Miller (ACL) and center Erik McCoy (biceps), these moves are not temporary fixes — they’re strategic investments in the future.

“These are players who play for passion, not fame,” Moore emphasized. “We need guys like that to rebuild this team — men who stand up when everything else is falling apart.”

Moore paused, his tone firm but proud:

“I see something in Velus and Audric that you don’t find in everyone — limitless fight. They don’t care about the spotlight; they care about the game. They just want to earn their place.”

“When you have players like that in your locker room, the energy changes. They push everyone to work harder, to focus more. That’s how you truly rebuild a team — not with money, but with heart and pride.”

🔥 Conclusion:
Not every great signing comes with a big price tag. Sometimes, two low-cost players like Velus Jones Jr. and Audric Estimé can make a greater impact than any superstar — because they bring what the Saints have been missing most: hunger, energy, and belief.