DaQuan

Jones

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed and is worth up to $18 million. Jones suffered a torn pec in Week 5 that limited him to seven games. It’s safe to assume he would have set career highs in several categories had he not gone down with the injury. Jones’s 2.5 sacks were one short of his best mark and he tied his high-water mark in TFLs at four. With the Bills losing a number of notable players on defense this offseason, Jones should return to a sizable role in 2024.

It’s a bit surprising since Jones is going on 33 and coming off a campaign where he appeared in just seven games because of pectoral issues, but Buscaglia believes his contributions were considered absolutely critical both against the run and as a pass-rusher. The Bills also have depth issues at Jones’ tackle spot, while his age and recent injury history figure to limit his value on the open market.

Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 5 and underwent surgery soon after. At the time, it was thought that he would likely be lost for the season, but the 31-year-old has worked his way back and will be able to practice this week. Jones was playing at a Pro Bowl level in the first four weeks of the season, notching three sacks, nine quarterback hurries, and 15 pressures. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 90.2 and a pass rush grade of 89.5. With fellow defensive tackle Jordan Phillips undergoing wrist surgery, Jones’ return would be incredibly well-timed. The Bills now have 21 days to decide whether to return Jones to the active roster or end his season, but his potential return is great news for a team fighting to claw back into the playoffs.

It’s yet another brutal blow for the Bills, who have now lost three starting defenders in the last week with Tre’Davious White (Achilles) and LB Matt Milano (knee) also out for the season. Jones, 31, joined the Bills as a free agent last season and has totaled 48 tackles, six TFLs, and 4.5 sacks in 21 games since 2022.

Jones is listed as doubtful to return. If Jones has a tear he’ll likely go on IR and miss the rest of the season. The Buffalo defense has been hit hard with injuries, losing CB Tre’Davious White to IR last week and now Jones and LB Matt Milano (knee).

Jones, 30, spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Titans before joining the Panthers on a one-year deal last offseason. He started all 17 games for the Panthers, registering one sack across 641 snaps. With the Bills, Jones is natural replacement for Harrison Phillips, who left for the Vikings in free agency.

Jones heads to Carolina after seven seasons with the Titans, where he proved durable as a run stuffer, starting every game over the past three seasons. Pro Football Focus graded Jones as the 35th best defensive lineman in 2020, when he recorded three sacks and was 16th among defensive linemen with 33 tackles. He’ll be an upgrade for a Tennessee defensive line graded by PFF in 2020 as the league’s 17th best rush defense and third worst pass rush.

These three players and five other Titans staff members have tested positive. The team will stay away from facilities until at least Saturday, but they need to pass COVID-19 testing before attempting to play on Sunday. The NFL is prepared to delay the Titans vs. Steelers game to Monday if another day is needed. Because the Vikings played the Titans last Sunday, they too will be away from facilities until testing clears them. It’s the first major scare in the NFL.

The 112th pick in the 2014 draft, Jones started all 16 games at left end in the Titans’ 3-4 base defense last season and received really strong marks from Pro Football Focus for his run defense. Per Wyatt, Jones “should be a force to be reckoned with” and was “especially impressive” during the spring. With RE Jurell Casey drawing all the attention, Jones will see a ton of one-on-ones.

Jones was the 112th pick in last year’s draft and played 143 snaps, starting the Week 17 finale. He played some end and nose tackle in DC Ray Horton’s 3-4 scheme. Jones currently projects to the end spot opposite Pro Bowl DE Jurrell Casey, though nose tackle could also be up for grabs on a weak line.