Patriots add DaQuan Jones to the defensive front ahead of Steelers home opener

DaQuan Jones is joining the Patriots’ defensive line, giving Mike Vrabel another experienced option in the middle before New England’s September 20 home opener against Pittsburgh. The team confirmed the signing Saturday, along with the move of wide receiver A.J. Brown to injured reserve.

The two transactions address very different problems. Brown’s absence leaves work to redistribute on offense. His roster spot goes to a 320-pound defensive tackle who can help a front still sorting out its rotation after the opener in Seattle.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Friday that Jones agreed to a one-year deal with a $3.5 million base value and a maximum of $6 million. Those are reported terms; the Patriots’ announcement confirmed the signing without disclosing financial details.

Read Rapoport’s original contract report on X.

A familiar player for Vrabel

Jones, 34, played under Vrabel in Tennessee from 2018 through 2020. His subsequent stops were Carolina and Buffalo, and he arrives with 167 regular-season appearances and 161 starts, according to the Patriots. That experience gives New England a veteran option alongside a group led by Milton Williams and Christian Barmore.

The Patriots’ own analysis points to the nose-tackle job as a natural fit. In Jones’ last season in Vrabel’s Tennessee defense, more than 62 percent of his snaps came directly over the center or shaded into the adjacent gap. New England has used Cory Durden in that role since Khyiris Tonga’s departure.

Jones’ arrival does not establish that Durden has lost his job. It gives the coaches another player to use there, with the size and familiarity to compete for early-down snaps. Pats Pulpit’s roster review counted six active defensive tackles after the signing, including Joshua Farmer and Leonard Taylor III. The next question is how that depth translates into the game-day rotation.

Run defense gets another option

The team’s analysis credited Jones with three sacks, 25 pressures and nine run stuffs for Buffalo last season. Those figures help explain why New England looked beyond simply adding bulk: Jones offers experience against the run and some ability to affect passing downs.

His opportunity comes as the Patriots prepare for Pittsburgh after a 13-10 opening loss. The September 20 game is scheduled for 1 p.m. Eastern on CBS. It will provide the first chance to see whether Jones takes a substantial share of the interior work or begins in a smaller rotation.

Brown, meanwhile, must miss at least the next four games. The defensive addition fills his roster spot, but the offense will have to cover his absence with its remaining receivers.