Patriots meet with linebacker Shaq Thompson and defensive lineman DaQuan Jones

The New England Patriots met with two veteran defensive free agents on Tuesday, according to Mike Reiss of. Reiss reported that the visits included linebacker Shaq Thompson and defensive lineman DaQuan Jones, both of whom are working to determine their next NFL opportunity during the current free-agent period.

Thompson, a linebacker who has spent his career at the center of defensive versatility, brings experience in responding to changing offensive formations, covering responsibilities for a defense, and playing in schemes that ask linebackers to defend both the run and the pass. Jones, a defensive lineman, likewise fits the profile of a veteran front contributor who can help stabilize the line of scrimmage while rotating against NFL offenses that emphasize tempo and physicality.

For the Patriots, the timing of these meetings underscores an effort to keep their defensive options open as training-camp evaluations move from offseason planning to roster decisions. New England has often used the early free-agent and visit period to test veteran fit, leadership, and scheme adaptability, especially for roles that can be defined by film study and short-term performance during camp.

While the reports confirm the meetings, they do not by themselves establish whether either player is close to a contract, nor do they indicate any agreed-upon terms. Meetings are a common first step, and what follows can include additional in-person conversations, medical reviews, and follow-up evaluations once the team has a clearer view of current roster needs.

From a roster-building perspective, the Patriots are likely assessing how Thompson’s linebacker responsibilities and Jones’s defensive line work translate into New England’s defensive identities. In practice, that means questions about gap discipline, snap-to-snap communication, and how each player handles scheme details that can differ significantly even between similar defensive styles.

What to watch next is whether either visit turns into a signed deal or a more extended trial period. With multiple positions on defense competing for roles each season, the next confirmations from the team, league transactions, or further reports will provide the clearest indication of whether these meetings are turning points or simply part of the broader search for defensive depth.