Saints Re-Sign Tony Jones Jr

The Saints bring back a familiar face for running back depth.

The New Orleans Saints have re-signed RB Tony Jones Jr., according to reports. It was a transaction that was first reported on Wednesday, amid conflicting stories that Jones had also been re-signed by the Denver Broncos for their practice squad. 

New Orleans will also sign undrafted rookie RB Jordan Mims, according to John Hendrix of the Saints News Network. To make room for both additions, the Saints released LB Ty Summers and waived rookie RB Ellis Merriweather from the practice squad. 

Jones was an undrafted signing by the Saints in 2020 out of Notre Dame. In his final three years with the Fighting Irish, Jones had 1,481 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns. He led the team with 857 yards on the ground and six scores in 2019.

Despite a strong preseason as a rookie, Jones was among the final roster cuts in 2020. However, the Saints would re-sign him to the practice squad, where he'd remain most of the year. He would see action in the regular season finale at Carolina, where he rushed for 13 yards on three carries before being injured. 

Jones made the Saints' 53-man roster in 2021 after another standout preseason. He'd run for a career-high 50 yards in a season-opening rout of Green Bay. However, an ankle injury suffered in Week 4 caused him to miss five games and hampered him the rest of the year. Jones finished the season with 142 rushing yards in 11 games, but averaged just 2.6 per carry.

Dec 12, 2021; New Orleans Saints running back Tony Jones Jr. (34) runs for a 1st down past New York Jets linebacker Quincy Williams (56). Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY

Jones appeared in two games for New Orleans in 2022 before being released at mid-season. He was picked up by the Seattle Seahawks, where he rushed for 16 yards over four contests. Jones was signed by the Denver Broncos and former coach Sean Payton this offseason. He was released by the Broncos on August 29.

Tony Jones Jr. has rushed for 179 yards and caught 10 passes for 59 yards over his 18-game career. He's averaged only 2.7 per carry and has yet to score a touchdown. 

At 5'11" and 224-Lbs., Jones is a power runner that works best between the tackles. He's also done a little work on special teams and was even used to return kickoffs during preseason stints with the Saints. 

Jones provides a bit more experienced depth at running back, especially with his knowledge of the system. Alvin Kamara is serving a three-game suspension to start the year. Without him, the Saints have Jamaal Williams, rookie Kendre Miller, and Kirk Merritt on the active roster with Jones and rookie Jordan Mims on the practice squad.