Patriots Should Prioritize Keeping DT Khyiris Tonga

New England's defensive tackle was a key contributor on both sides of the ball in 2025.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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New England Patriots defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga was one of the team's most reliable and productive defenders during the 2025 regular season. Originally intended to be a depth piece, Tonga used his 6-foot-2, 355-pound frame to his advantage both as a nose tackle and as a solid addition to the Patriots' already formidable defensive line. As a result, the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent should be a top offseason priority for the Pats as they look to retool their roster heading into 2026.

Why it matters

Tonga's assimilation into the Pats defense was both smooth and productive, blending seamlessly into a line featuring Christian Barmore, Harold Landry III and Milton Williams. He was also one of the Pats' most effective run defenders, showcasing his size and speed to aid New England's run preventive unit. Additionally, Tonga showcased his talents in the game's remaining two phases, both as a special teamer and a part-time fullback/blocker in jumbo packages on offense.

The details

Tonga, who signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Patriots last offseason, appeared in 14 games, making eight starts during the regular season for the Pats. During that time, he compiled 24 tackles, two for loss, two quarterback hits and two pass deflections. Though he missed the final three games of the regular season due to a foot injury, Tonga returned to action for the Pats' divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans, logging seven total tackles, two tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback hits in the postseason.

  • Tonga signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the Patriots last offseason.
  • Tonga appeared in 14 games, making eight starts during the 2025 regular season.
  • Tonga exited the Pats' 28-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16 due to a foot injury, missing the final three games of the regular season.
  • Tonga returned to action for the Pats' divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans.

The players

Khyiris Tonga

A defensive tackle for the New England Patriots who was one of the team's most reliable and productive defenders during the 2025 regular season.

Christian Barmore

A defensive lineman for the New England Patriots who played alongside Tonga on the defensive line.

Harold Landry III

A defensive lineman for the New England Patriots who played alongside Tonga on the defensive line.

Milton Williams

A defensive lineman for the New England Patriots who played alongside Tonga on the defensive line.

Mike Vrabel

The head coach of the New England Patriots who praised Tonga's contributions on both offense and defense.

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What they’re saying

“That's a guy that plays on three phases. Helped us win defensively, helped us win offensively, and then goes out there and stands in the way of three guys on the field goal protection unit … He is a key part of a group effort.”

— Mike Vrabel, Head Coach (SI.com)

“We were just trying to look at the way that we are constructed. We needed a little bigger size in there to try to push the pile a little bit and get some movement. I think he does a nice job at it, too. He's got a good feel for it. Helped us in the short yardage in Atlanta and helped us last week. I know that if asked and called upon, he'll be willing to help us again.”

— Mike Vrabel, Head Coach (SI.com)

What’s next

The Patriots will need to decide whether to re-sign Tonga, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, as they look to retool their roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Tonga's versatility and impact on both sides of the ball make him a valuable asset for the Patriots, and the team would be wise to prioritize re-signing him this offseason to maintain the strength of their defensive line and overall roster depth.