FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots made some big moves this offseason, and two of their newest additions are bringing more than just talent to the roster — they're bringing a burning hunger for postseason football that's been years in the making.

Edge rusher Dre'Mont Jones and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker have both spent their entire professional careers watching the playoffs from home. For Jones, that's six seasons and four different teams without a single taste of January football. For Vera-Tucker, it's been five years with the New York Jets, a team that hasn't sniffed the postseason since 2010.

"I haven't experienced the playoffs since college football," Jones told reporters Thursday. "So, I'm eager to be out there in later parts of January instead of just doing the first week in January, and then I go home and try to figure out a vacation to go to. I want to experience that, the atmosphere, and be a part of something greater."

Jones's journey to New England has been a winding road. Drafted in the third round by the Denver Broncos in 2019, he spent four seasons in the Mile High City before signing with the Seattle Seahawks in 2023. After two seasons there, he was released ahead of the 2025 campaign, then signed with the Tennessee Titans before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens last November. Through all those moves, the playoffs remained just out of reach.

"The whole experience of it. I've heard so many different stories. I know a lot of different guys throughout the league," Jones said. "I feel like everybody's been in the playoffs except me. So, I've heard it all, and it's all been consistent of 'it's great. You want to be there. There's nothing like it.' I've been hearing those words for so many years, and I think it's time for me to be able to explain that to somebody who hasn't been."

For a Patriots team looking to rebound and reclaim its place among the AFC elite, adding players with this kind of motivation could be the spark they need. Jones put it simply: "Very hungry man. It's unfortunate when you've been in the league for six years and you haven't been to the playoffs yet. But that's some serious motivation right there."