Patriots host visits with veterans Shaq Thompson, DaQuan Jones

The New England Patriots took a look at a pair of seasoned defenders Tuesday.

The club hosted veteran free-agent defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and free-agent linebacker Shaq Thompson for visits — framed as visits, distinct from tryouts, by beat writer Mike Reiss. Both are players with extensive NFL résumés, and Reiss noted they are "veterans who have played a lot of football."

Neither visit guarantees a signing, but the Patriots are clearly canvassing the market for experienced help.

The workouts come as teams across the league evaluate veteran free agents before the final cutdown deadline.