Patriots Reportedly Add Another Piece To Bolster Defensive Line

The New England Patriots fortified their defensive line in a big way Monday by reportedly agreeing to a massive deal with top-rated free agent Milton Williams.

But the Patriots weren’t done adding to that area of their defensive unit.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots will sign former Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga to a one-year deal worth $2.7 million.

Tonga played in 13 games for the Cardinals in 2024 after spending two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. The 28-year-old got his start in the NFL in 2021 with the Chicago Bears, who drafted him in the seventh round of out BYU.

Tonga played just 27% of Arizona’s defensive snaps a season ago, compiling 22 tackles. The most playing time Tonga received in a single season came in 2022 with the Vikings when he suited up for 36% of the team’s defensive snaps.

Given his 6-foot-4 and 338-pound frame, Tonga is better suited as a run stuffer than someone who will get after the quarterback. He has only been credited with 0.5 sacks in his four-year career.

The Patriots adding Tonga gives them more depth at the defensive tackle spot, which is needed given the uncertainty surrounding Christian Barmore, who sat out most of this past season due to blood clots.

Tonga joins not only Williams and Barmore, but Jeremiah Pharms Jr., Jacquelin Roy, Marcus Harris and Eric Johnson as the interior defenders currently on New England’s roster.

Tonga was the third move the Patriots made at the defensive tackle spot Monday. They got their day started by trading veteran defender Davon Godchaux to the New Orleans Saints.