Could Patriots consider run at former first-round draft pick defender? - Patriots Wire
The New England Patriots have been looking for reinforcements defensively, particularly along the defensive front and at linebacker.
They agreed to a deal to sign former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones last Friday.
ESPN's Mike Reiss wonders if another former Bills defender could soon reunite with Jones in New England at some point. In his Sunday notes column, Reiss wrote:
"After the Patriots agreed to sign DaQuan Jones on Friday, the question now is whether they'd also take the plunge with linebacker Shaq Thompson (currently on the Bills' practice squad). Jones and Thompson initially visited New England together on Aug. 18. Vested veterans who sign after Week 1 don't have their base salaries guaranteed, which is likely why the Patriots waited to make their move on Jones. Now we'll see if they do the same with the 32-year-old Thompson."
Thompson is a 32-year-old veteran with 118 NFL starts under his belt. He even started in six games for the Bills last season, racking up 56 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, two passes defended and six tackles for a loss in 12 game appearances.
There are serious depth issues for the Patriots at linebacker, and it would make sense for the team to shore that up with proven talent in reserve roles.
Thompson is a long-time veteran defender with the ability to step in and contribute right away.
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