Payments gamers DaQuan Jones, Greg Rousseau and Quinton Jefferson watch the clock wind down and prepare to slip within the snow to have a good time their victory over the 49ers in Orchard Park on Dec. 1, 2024. © Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK through Imagn Pictures.
The Minnesota Vikings have added six new defensive tackles by means of free company and the draft this offseason, however Bleacher Report doesn’t assume that’s sufficient. In an article final week sizing up free-agent touchdown spots for the league’s prime remaining defenders, Minnesota was named the most effective vacation spot for DaQuan Jones, who’s — you guessed it — a defensive deal with.
The Vikings would possibly want an EDGE defender, however typically talking, they’re in all probability effectively stocked on inside defensive linemen.
Vikings Could Nonetheless Need Extra iDL Muscle?
Carolina Panthers defensive deal with DaQuan Jones walked off the sphere after a house matchup with the New Orleans Saints at Financial institution of America Stadium. On September 19, 2021, in Charlotte, Jones represented Carolina throughout his lone Panthers season after a protracted Tennessee run and earlier than later stops in Buffalo on protection. Necessary Credit score: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports activities.
Kristopher Knox: Vikings Are the Greatest Place for Jones
Knox tabbed seven defensive free brokers for brand new properties, with Jones linked to the Vikings: “Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones will turn 35 in December and missed multiple games with a calf injury this past season. However, he remains a starting-caliber interior defender who has started every game in which he has appeared since his sophomore season in 2015.”
“Jones started 12 games for the Buffalo Bills last season, finishing with 22 tackles, three sacks, and three tackles for loss. He still possesses a strong anchor in run defense with penetration ability to boost an interior pass rush.”
In another offseason as of late, signing Jones could be a beautiful thought. However this time, Minnesota has oodles of DTs.
Knox continued, “Jones would make a lot of sense for the Minnesota Vikings, who are hoping to leap back into NFC North contention this season. While much of the offseason focus has been on the looming QB battle between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray, Minnesota faces the challenge of reloading its defensive front.”
“The Vikings parted with both Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen early this offseason. While they did sign Isaiahh Loudermilk while drafting Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange, adding DaQuan Jones would round out the defensive rotation while adding veteran leadership to the group.”
The Skinny on Jones
Jones is a primary instance of a defensive deal with who has steadily carried out at a excessive degree for a decade, usually with out receiving the popularity he deserves.
Drafted within the 4th Spherical in 2014, Jones performed seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans. The man is reliable.
Whereas his particular person statistics is probably not flashy, his sturdiness and availability are outstanding: he has performed in 167 profession video games, beginning 161. Over 12 seasons, he has accrued 372 tackles, 20 sacks, and 63 quarterback hits, showcasing his mature presence on the defensive position.
Tennessee Titans defensive deal with DaQuan Jones warmed up earlier than a highway sport in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Financial institution Stadium, persevering with his regular run as a dependable inside starter. On November 22, 2020, in Baltimore, Jones ready for one more AFC matchup throughout his last season with Tennessee’s defensive entrance in uniform. Necessary Credit score: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports activities.
His career-high for sacks was 3.5 in 2017. His tenure with the Buffalo Payments significantly showcased his effectiveness, excelling as a rotational run-stopper who also can generate strain on the quarterback when known as upon.
Professional Soccer Focus has awarded Jones strong, usually above-average, scores, along with his 2025 pass-rush grade reaching 72.0. His PFF grades are often within the 70s.
All of the Vikings’ Present DTs
In another latest offseason, including Jones would make a great deal of sense. But in 2026, the Vikings’ DT cupboard is effectively stocked. Right here’s the group with three weeks to go earlier than coaching camp:
Jalen Redmond
Caleb Banks
Domonique Orange
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Isaiahh Loudermilk
Eric Johnson
Smith Vilbert
Taki Taimani
Elijah Williams
Jahvaree Ritzie
Signing Jones would add up if the Vikings know for sure they gained’t play Banks or Orange a lot this season. But when Banks or Orange don’t play this season, effectively, Minnesota has a grander downside on its arms — drafting duds who aren’t prepared for a daily season, which has plagued Vikings soccer since 2022.
The best method to think about it? Followers ought to need the crew to resolve that Jones isn’t vital. It’ll imply that Banks and Orange are trending towards rookie taking part in time.
EDGE, Guard Extra Possible Free-Agent Choices
That’s to not say the Vikings’ roster is flawless. It’s not. After buying and selling Jonathan Greenard in April, the membership may use one other exterior linebacker, simply in case accidents beset Andrew Van Ginkel or Dallas Turner. It’s why followers have known as for defenders like Jadeveon Clowney, Haason Reddick, Leonard Floyd, and Von Miller. A one-year deal for a veteran EDGE would harm nobody.
Arizona Cardinals offensive deal with Paris Johnson Jr. squared up in opposition to Buffalo Payments defensive deal with DaQuan Jones throughout second-quarter motion at Highmark Stadium as Buffalo opened one other season at residence. On September 8, 2024, in Orchard Park, Jones labored from the inside whereas Johnson ready to deal with him in cross safety up entrance. Necessary Credit score: Mark Konezny-Imagn Pictures.
Too, on offense, the Vikings have one foremost backup guard who ought to make the energetic roster: Joe Huber. With the Blake Brandel on his approach to play middle, Minnesota can’t moderately financial institution on Brandel as the first backup guard, as was the case for the previous few seasons.
If the Vikings signal any free brokers quickly, EDGE and guard are the most secure prediction bets.
Jones will flip 35 in December. His subsequent crew ought to be capable of signal him for round $3 million.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … Extra about Dustin Baker
