If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
After spending the last four seasons with the Buffalo Bills, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones is taking his talents to another AFC East team. However, instead of chasing after Drake Maye, he'll try to help the young quarterback bring the Lombardi Trophy back to New England.
On Friday, Sept. 11, Jones officially went from foe to friend by agreeing to terms with the Patriots. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the veteran lineman is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $6 million that includes a $3.5 million base salary.
That's a solid payday for the 34-year-old, who entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Tennessee Titans in 2014. Obviously, the connection between Jones and head coach Mike Vrabel factored into the decision, as Vrabel drafted the former Penn State standout.
Fast forward more than a decade, and the two are reuniting in a much more competitive environment with sky-high expectations and big-time pressure.
What does DaQuan Jones bring to the table?
Just days after a disappointing season-opening loss in Seattle, the Patriots wasted little time bolstering their depth at defensive tackle. Bringing in a player with such vast experience is a smart move, especially with many unproven players behind the starting duo of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore.
Jones brings a ton of experience, including plenty of postseason action. Since entering the league as the 112th overall pick in 2014, he's played 167 games, recording 372 total tackles, 20 sacks, and four forced fumbles.
New #Patriots DT DaQuan Jones isn’t just a big-bodied gap plugger. A lot of his wins come from his quickness off the ball and ability to shoot gaps
— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) September 11, 2026
Could be a pretty fun addition to the interior https://t.co/C5VkJfdkc6
At this stage of his career, Jones doesn't need to be a full-time player. However, he's a great addition as the No. 3 option behind Williams and Barmore. Plus, he'll be able to take some of the burden off of Cory Durden, who's best utilized as a rotational player.
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Jones posted a 37% run-stop win rate during his four years with the Bills—the sixth-best mark on the team during that time. He also spent one season with the Carolina Panthers (2021) after starting 93 games for the Titans.
Early revenge opportunity
With Jones going from being on the same team as Josh Allen to being tasked with stopping his former teammate, he won't have to wait long to get that opportunity.
The Patriots play the Bills in Week 4 in Buffalo, which will be the first time they face Joe Brady as a head coach.
So, not only will Jones have a chance to chase after one of the top quarterbacks in the game, but he'll also have a chance to spoil the first-year head coach's debut matchup against the reigning AFC East champions.
Of course, for DaQuan Jones' sake, hopefully his new quarterback looks a lot better in Week 4 than he did Wednesday night in Seattle.
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