The Patriots are moving quickly after a rough opening week, and the fix comes from a name New England fans know well.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the team is expected to sign former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million. Rapoport said Jones will get a $3.5 million base and added, "Some help up front before Week 2 from the former Bills starter."
New England’s season opener against the Seattle Seahawks didn’t give the offense much room to breathe, and the defending champions controlled the game with a defense that kept the Patriots in check even without starting quarterback Sam Darnold. With the roster thin on defense, the Patriots turned to the trenches for reinforcements.
Jones brings recent production from a division rival, finishing last season with 22 tackles, 21 pressures, one forced fumble, one interception and three sacks.
He also arrives with a built-in connection to head coach Mike Vrabel. Jones played for Vrabel with the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2020, so this is more than just a familiar face from the AFC East.
He’s not likely to jump Christian Barmore, Milton Williams or Cory Durden on the depth chart, but Jones should slot in as the top option off the bench ahead of Leonard Taylor III and Joshua Darner.
The Patriots allowed 97 rushing yards in the opener, but Seattle still averaged 4.4 yards per carry. That made the need for more help up front pretty clear, and Jones gives them another body with real experience before Week 2.
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