Patriots Scout Former Bills Defenders as Buffalo Bolsters Defensive Tackle Depth

The New England Patriots met with veteran free-agent defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and linebacker Shaq Thompson on Tuesday in the lead-up to the 2026 regular season. Both spent 2025 with the Buffalo Bills, and the visits were described as “different from tryouts” by a team insider.

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Since taking over, head coach Mike Vrabel has reshaped the Patriots around a strong defensive identity. Last season the club ranked among the league’s best in points allowed (18.8 per game) and rushing yards surrendered (101.7 per game). To maintain that momentum, New England continues to explore veteran additions.

Newsweek

The Bills entered the offseason with a thin defensive-tackle roster after a three-game suspension for Phidarian Mathis and the release of practice-squad lineman Tommy Akingbesote.

Sports Illustrated

• DaQuan Jones – 34-year-old defensive tackle. In 2025 he logged 22 tackles, three sacks, eight QB hits, a forced fumble and an interception in 12 starts. He started all 51 games he played for Buffalo.

NBC Sports

• Shaq Thompson – 32-year-old linebacker. In 2025 he recorded 56 tackles, one sack, a forced fumble and an interception across 12 games (six starts).

NBC Sports

• Greg Gaines – 30-year-old defensive tackle signed by the Bills after a tryout. He has appeared in 108 career games (34 starts), posting 186 tackles, 14.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss.

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The Bills added Gaines as an immediate response to depth concerns at nose tackle, positioning him to compete for a backup role behind projected starters Ed Oliver, Deone Walker and T.J. Sanders.

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• “The Patriots had veteran free agent DT DaQuan Jones and free agent LB Shaq Thompson in for visits (different from tryouts). Veterans who have played a lot of football,” — Mike Reiss, ESPN

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• “I would love to play here,” — Shaq Thompson

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• Patriots allowed the fourth-fewest points (18.8 per game) and the sixth-fewest rushing yards (101.7 per game) last season.

Newsweek

• Jones’ 2025 production: 22 tackles, 3 sacks, 8 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception.

Newsweek

• Thompson’s 2025 production: 56 tackles, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception.

NBC Sports

• Gaines’ career totals: 186 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss in 108 games.

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For New England, adding experienced interior linemen or a versatile linebacker could preserve the defensive consistency that kept the team in the league’s top-four in points allowed. A signing would also add depth against injuries that have limited Thompson in recent seasons.

NBC Sports

Buffalo’s acquisition of Gaines addresses the void created by Mathis’s suspension and the lack of proven nose-tackle options after DeWayne Carter’s departure, helping the Bills maintain their defensive ranking.

Sports Illustrated

The Patriots have not announced any contracts following the visits, leaving the roster outcome open as training camp approaches. The Bills will evaluate Gaines during preseason drills and determine his role behind the projected starter trio. Both teams aim to finalize their 53-man rosters before the regular-season kickoff in early September.

Sports Illustrated