The New England Patriots could add two familiar faces to their defense before the regular season begins. New England hosted former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and linebacker Shaq Thompson for free-agent visits Tuesday, according to the NFL transaction wire. ESPN’s Mike Reiss also reported the meetings.
Both veterans played for Buffalo last season, giving Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel an opportunity to add experience while weakening the depth of an AFC East rival. No signing had been reported as of Tuesday night. The visits, however, are worth monitoring as New England prepares for two joint practices with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
DaQuan Jones Could Strengthen Patriots’ Defensive Front
Jones would add another massive interior presence to a defensive line that already includes Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. The 34-year-old Jones measures 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds. He appeared in 17 regular-season games for Buffalo last year, recording 22 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and the first interception of his NFL career.
Jones has played 167 games across 12 seasons with the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers and Bills. He spent the previous four years in Buffalo and signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the organization in 2024. His value would not be measured solely by sacks.
Jones has built his career as a powerful interior run defender capable of occupying blockers and creating opportunities for the linebackers behind him. That skill set could make him useful in a Patriots front featuring Williams, Barmore and Khyiris Tonga. Barmore returned to practice Monday after an absence, but his limited work with the first-team defense creates another reason for New England to explore veteran depth.
Jones also has experience playing for Vrabel. The two were together in Tennessee during the 2018 season, Vrabel’s first year as the Titans’ head coach. That familiarity could make the Patriots an appealing destination if the two sides begin discussing a contract.
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Shaq Thompson Offers Proven Linebacker Experience
Thompson would address a different need. The Carolina Panthers selected him with the No. 25 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Thompson spent 10 seasons with Carolina, becoming a five-time team captain and accumulating 750 tackles.
He also helped the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50 during his rookie season. Thompson’s final two years in Carolina were interrupted by injuries. He appeared in only six total games across the 2023 and 2024 seasons before signing a one-year contract with Buffalo.
The veteran responded with a productive 2025 campaign. Thompson appeared in 12 regular-season games for the Bills and recorded 56 tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble and two pass breakups. He added 13 tackles and an interception during the postseason.
The Patriots already have Robert Spillane positioned as a leader in the middle of their defense. Thompson could provide another experienced option and valuable insurance behind him. That depth has become more relevant with Chad Muma missing Monday’s practice and Tuesday’s walkthrough. Edge rusher Harold Landry III also remains on the physically unable to perform list.
New England should not treat either visit as evidence that a signing is inevitable. Teams routinely meet with available veterans to evaluate their health, establish potential contract terms and build an emergency list for later in the season.
Still, the timing is notable.
The Patriots will practice against Philadelphia on Wednesday and Thursday before hosting the Eagles in their second preseason game Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. Those sessions should provide Vrabel and his staff with a clearer picture of the defensive depth chart.
If New England believes it needs more experience afterward, Jones and Thompson would be logical options. Jones offers size, durability and a previous connection with Vrabel. Thompson brings leadership, versatility and more than a decade of starting experience.
Both also spent last season inside the division with Buffalo.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Patriots met with both defenders Tuesday. Whether either visit produces a contract could become one of New England’s most interesting roster developments before the final cutdown.
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