METAIRIE, La. -- The New Orleans Saints signed veteran defensive linemen Jason Jones and John Hughes, according to their agents, as part of a flurry of roster moves following the team's preseason opener.
Jones, 31, and Hughes, 29, are versatile big men who have played end and tackle in their careers, and will likely compete for a roster spot behind projected starting ends Cameron Jordan and Alex Okafor.
Jones started 70 games and compiled 31.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles during his nine-year career with the Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins after being drafted in the second round in 2008.
The 6-foot-5, 278-pounder hasn't been with a team since being released by Miami in January. He started five games for the Dolphins last year after signing a one-year deal, but he was released a few days before their playoff opener.
He reportedly asked for his release to try and catch on with another team after being informed that he was going to be inactive for the game.
Hughes, 29, spent his first five seasons with the Cleveland Browns and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with 10 career starts and 5.5 sacks. The Browns drafted the 6-2, 320-pounder in the third round in 2012.
The Saints also signed second-year tight end Braedon Bowman, according to the New Orleans Advocate. Bowman played in three games with the New York Jets last year before tearing his ACL. Sources confirmed the Saints also signed former Tulane receiver Xavier Rush and undrafted rookie defensive back Malik Foreman from Tennessee.
To make room for the newcomers, the Saints placed undrafted rookie defensive lineman Devaroe Lawrence on injured reserve and released kicker/punter Patrick Murray, receiver Rashad Lawrence and defensive backs Robenson Therezie and Dejaun Butler, according to the Advocate.