Patriots Sign Defensive Tackle Khyiris Tonga to One-Year Deal

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have solidified their defensive line by signing defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga to a one-year contract worth $2.7 million, as reported on March 10, 2025.

Tonga, 28, joins the Patriots after spending the previous season with the Arizona Cardinals, where he played in 13 games and recorded 22 tackles. The 6-foot-4, 338-pound tackle was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, being the 250th overall pick.

In addition to his time with the Bears, Tonga has played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Cardinals during his NFL career. In his three seasons, he has tallied 89 tackles, one fumble recovery, four batted passes, and a half-sack.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Tonga is part of a broader strategy by the Patriots to enhance their defensive capabilities this offseason. Shortly before signing Tonga, the team made headlines by acquiring star defensive tackle Milton Williams from the Philadelphia Eagles for a reported four-year deal worth $104 million, with $63 million guaranteed.

Head coach Mike Vrabel’s team is also welcoming linebacker Robert Spillane and cornerback Carlton Davis III as part of their free agency acquisitions. The Patriots’ depth chart now features a number of talents, including Christian Barmore, Marcus Harris, Eric Johnson, Jeremiah Pharms Jr., and Jacqueline Roy, alongside Tonga and Williams.

“We wanted to strengthen our defensive line, and Tonga’s experience and skills will be valuable as we move forward,” said a team spokesperson. “His ability to stop the run makes him a good fit for our system.”

In related moves, the Patriots traded defensive tackle Davon Godchaux to the New Orleans Saints earlier on the same day. This occurred as the Patriots look to make impactful changes ahead of the start of the 2025 NFL season.

The new NFL year officially commences on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, marking the time when all signings and trades become official and players can participate in team activities.