In the midst of some roster movement, the Patriots also had a few free agents come by for a workout that may or may not lead to a signing.
We're less than an hour away from joint practices between the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles beginning. It's a week that many NFL analysts and beat reporters have had their eyes on for months due to the trade between both teams for wide receiver A.J. Brown.
Before these two teams take the field, the Patriots also made some roster moves this week. The team signed former Giants offensive lineman Greg Van Roten while waiving tight end Mitch Van Vooren after only 27 days on the team.
Amid all that, Mike Vrabel and company held a visit with two free agents who have some experience in the AFC East.
The Patriots hosted two former Buffalo Bills players, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and linebacker Shaq Thompson, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Both veterans spent last season in western New York, bringing them to Foxborough with a chance to add experience and depth where it's needed while weakening a division rival ahead of the regular season.
What DaQuan Jones Could Fit Into the Patriots' Defensive Schemes
Jones and Thompson could definitely bring a lot of firepower and ball knowledge to the team if the Patriots move forward with either of them. Jones has been widely known for being an incredible run defender throughout his now 12-year career. His work spans teams like the Tennessee Titans, Carolina Panthers, and the Buffalo Bills. Jones has most notably been utilized for filling run holes and keeping offensive linemen occupied so linebackers can make a point of attack.
Jones and Vrabel know one another quite well. As mentioned above, he was with the Titans, where the two crossed paths for two seasons. That familiarity could boost the team, as Vrabel's coaching and player tree have spread like wildfire across the NFL in the last few years.
Shaq Thompson Has Proved Himself Many Times
Thompson has been to the top of the mountain before; in his rookie season, he helped the Panthers reach Super Bowl 50. In ten seasons in Carolina, he was a five-time team captain and recorded 750 tackles. As his time wrapped up with the Panthers, injuries plagued him. He appeared in only six total games between 2023 and 2024.
In 2025, Thompson resurged in Buffalo, playing in 12 games and recording 56 tackles, six for a loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and two pass breakups. In the postseason, he also got an interception along with 13 more tackles.
Potentially signing Thompson adds depth and insurance to the linebacker room behind leaders like Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss. Behind them are young up-and-coming players like Khalili Jacobs. Adding a veteran could provide comfort if one of their leaders goes down.
Nothing is for certain; teams do this all the time before cutdown day. But if the Patriots sign one or both of these guys, it could create some interesting decisions in both the defensive line and linebacker rooms as we approach the regular season.
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