After falling short in the Super Bowl last season, the New England Patriots were hoping for a different result this week against the Seattle Seahawks. But while they kept the game close, the result was the same. Drake Maye finished 23 of 33 passing for 178 yards and one touchdown, with three interceptions — including a brutal pick late in the fourth quarter that sealed the 13-10 loss.
Seattle's defense was relentless, and while the Patriots' defense held the Seahawks' rushing attack to just 4.4 yards per carry, they also let backup Drew Lock go 16 of 22 for 187 yards and a touchdown. It's evident that New England is still a couple of pieces away from being among the league's elite, and on Friday they made a subtle move to add more depth to the roster. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Patriots are expected to sign veteran defensive tackle DaQuan Jones to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million.
More news: Rams Defender Had to Take Pay Cut Because of Aaron Donald Jones, a fourth-round pick by the Titans in 2014, spent the first seven seasons of his career in Tennessee, the last three of which he was coached by Mike Vrabel. He then spent one season in Carolina before spending the last four in Buffalo. This adds yet another former Bills player to Vrabel's Patriots, following the team's signings of Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins last season and additions like Reggie Gilliam and now Jones this year.
Across 12 seasons in the league, Jones has racked up 372 combined tackles, 34 tackles for loss, 63 quarterback hits, 20 sacks, and four forced fumbles. More news: Vikings’ Latest QB Move Reveals Where JJ McCarthy Really Stands More news: Patrick Mahomes’ Week 1 Return Raises ‘Significant Concerns’ for Ex-NFL QB He may not be a star, but Jones is a valuable veteran piece to add to a defensive line that needs to clean things up to help this team get right. Jones will compete alongside Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, and Cory Durden for snaps heading into Week 2.
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