The Minnesota Vikings have added six new defensive tackles through free agency and the draft this offseason, but Bleacher Report does not think that’s enough. In an article last week sizing up free-agent landing spots for the league’s top remaining defenders, Minnesota was named the best destination for DaQuan Jones, who is — you guessed it — a defensive tackle.
The Vikings might need an EDGE defender, but generally speaking, they’re probably well stocked on interior defensive linemen.
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Kristopher Knox: Vikings Are the Best Place for Jones
Knox tabbed seven defensive free agents for new homes, with Jones connected 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 any other offseason as of late, signing Jones would be a wonderful idea. But 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 prime example of a defensive tackle who has steadily performed at a high level for a decade, often without receiving the recognition he deserves.
Drafted in the 4th Round in 2014, Jones played seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans. The guy is dependable.
While his individual statistics may not be flashy, his durability and availability are remarkable: he has played in 167 career games, starting 161. Over 12 seasons, he has accumulated 372 tackles, 20 sacks, and 63 quarterback hits, showcasing his mature presence on the defensive line.
His career-high for sacks was 3.5 in 2017. His tenure with the Buffalo Bills particularly showcased his effectiveness, excelling as a rotational run-stopper who can also generate pressure on the quarterback when called upon.
Pro Football Focus has awarded Jones solid, often above-average, ratings, with his 2025 pass-rush grade reaching 72.0. His PFF grades are usually in the 70s.
All the Vikings’ Current DTs
In any other recent offseason, adding Jones would make a good deal of sense. Yet in 2026, the Vikings’ DT cabinet is well stocked. Here’s the group with three weeks to go before training 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 certain they won’t play Banks or Orange much this season. But if Banks or Orange don’t play this season, well, Minnesota has a grander problem on its hands — drafting duds who aren’t ready for a regular season, which has plagued Vikings football since 2022.
The easiest way to think of it? Fans should want the team to decide that Jones isn’t necessary. It will mean that Banks and Orange are trending toward rookie playing time.
EDGE, Guard More Likely Free-Agent Options
That’s not to say the Vikings’ roster is flawless. It’s not. After trading Jonathan Greenard in April, the club could use another outside linebacker, just in case injuries beset Andrew Van Ginkel or Dallas Turner. It’s why fans have called for defenders like Jadeveon Clowney, Haason Reddick, Leonard Floyd, and Von Miller. A one-year deal for a veteran EDGE would hurt no one.
Too, on offense, the Vikings have one main backup guard who should make the active roster: Joe Huber. With the Blake Brandel on his way to play center, Minnesota can’t reasonably bank on Brandel as the primary backup guard, as was the case for the last few seasons.
If the Vikings sign any free agents soon, EDGE and guard are the safest prediction bets.
Jones will turn 35 in December. His next team should be able to sign him for around $3 million.
