Former Detroit Lions defensive tackle Benito Jones tried out for another team Wednesday — this time, the Buffalo Bills.
According to the NFL transaction wire, Jones was one of five defensive tackles to try out with the Bills ahead of Week 3. Buffalo signed one of those defensive tackles to the practice squad Wednesday — Austin Johnson.
Although he hasn’t signed with a new team yet, Jones is clearly getting opportunities. The Bills tryout was his second of the week. Jones also tried out for the Houston Texans on Monday.
Jones signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency during this past offseason. The Raiders waived Jones in the middle of training camp in August.
The veteran defensive tackle joined the Lions four years ago as a waiver wire claim. He spent two seasons in Detroit, becoming a starter for the Lions defense during the team’s first successful quest to win the NFC North title.
In 34 games with Detroit, Jones posted 42 combined tackles, including three for loss. He also had 2.5 sacks, 10 quarterback hits and two pass defenses.
Former Lions DT Benito Jones Lands Another Tryout With Bills
While he was most recently with the Raiders, Jones has split his career between the Lions and Miami Dolphins. He signed with Miami as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Jones played six games as a rookie but then couldn’t distinguish himself to play a regular role during his first stint with the team again after that.
In 2021, Jones spent the entire season on the Dolphins practice squad. Miami then waived the defensive tackle before the NFL roster deadline in August 2022.
After two seasons in Detroit, Jones returned to Miami to become a starter. He played the past two years for the Dolphins, starting 23 contests.
Jones Still Looking for Next NFL Opportunity
The Bills tried out five defensive tackles Wednesday — Jones, Johnson, Cole Brevard, Marlon Davidson, and Chris Williams. Johnson is the defensive tackle who ultimately landed Bufalo’s the practice squad opportunity.
That’s disappointing news for Jones, but depending on how the tryout went, perhaps he will get a chance in Buffalo later this season. Jones is also in the same situation with the Texans, who didn’t sign the veteran defensive tackle after his Monday tryout in Houston.
Jones played 14 games for the Dolphins last season, starting eight of those contests. He registered 15 combined tackles, including two for loss. The veteran also had one quarterback hit, one sack and one pass defense.
His last appearance was during Week 16 last season. With the Dolphins eliminated from the playoffs at the end of the season, the team made Jones inactive and got a look at other players at the conclusion of the campaign.
Jones could still provide size and experienced depth along the defensive line interior for a contender this season. He’s clearly ready for an opportunity.
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