The Patriots are [expected to sign](https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2098430205610148310) veteran defensive tackle Daquan Jones, ESPN’s Ian Rapoport first reported Friday.
It’s a one-year, $3.5 million deal worth up to $6 million, per Rapoport.
Jones, 34, played under Vrabel with the Titans from 2018 to 2020. He entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick out of Penn State with the Titans in 2014. He also spent time with the Panthers in 2021. He played for the Bills from 2022 to 2025.
Jones [provides depth behind](https://www.bostonherald.com/2026/09/03/patriots-depth-chart-reset-how-new-pieces-fit-in-on-53-man-roster/) starters Milton Williams and Christian Barmore. The team also has Cory Durden at nose tackle and Joshua Farmer and Leonard Taylor III for depth.
Base salaries of vested veteran players are fully guaranteed if they’re on the roster in Week 1. By signing after Week 1, Jones’ base salary isn’t automatically guaranteed.
Jones has 372 career tackles with 20 sacks, 63 QB hits, 34 tackles for loss, seven batted passes, four forced fumbles, one interception and three fumble recoveries in his 12-year NFL career. He started 51 games of his last four seasons with the Bills.
At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, Jones can play across the defensive line.
While it wasn’t necessarily the reason why the Patriots lost to the Seahawks in Week 1, the front seven allowed 97 rushing yards on 22 carries. Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price rushed 10 times for 52 yards.
The Patriots must create space on their 53-man roster to add Jones. One possibility would be to place wide receiver A.J. Brown, who suffered a high ankle sprain in Wednesday night’s loss, on injured reserve.
The Patriots also could release one of their backup defensive linemen to create space for Jones.
The Patriots are off this weekend. They return to Gillette Stadium for practice on Monday. They’re off Tuesday, then practice Wednesday through Friday before next Sunday’s home opener against the Steelers.