The New England Patriots ended the Kansas City Chiefs AFC reign during 2025. But to try and get back to the top, the Chiefs are adding lineman Khyiris Tonga from the Patriots defense.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Monday afternoon the Chiefs have agreed to sign Tonga to a 3-year, $21 million contract. The deal will include $14 million guaranteed.
Tonga will be able to ink the deal officially when the new league year begins at 4 pm ET on Wednesday. Until then, representation of unrestricted free agents can agree in principle to new contracts.
Tonga started the final eight regular season games for the Patriots defensive line. In 14 games overall, he had 24 combined tackles, including two for loss. He also had two quarterback hits and two pass defenses.
Tonga spent one season with New England. Over his five-year NFL career, he’s also played for the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals.
Chiefs Sign Khyiris Tonga From Patriots: Report
Tonga only played one season in New England and didn’t record a sack. During the team’s playoff run to the Super Bowl, he also didn’t remain in the starting lineup.
However, Tonga was a starter for New England for the final eight regular season weeks. During that time, the Patriots posted a 7-1 record.
So while his loss might not be as major as other bigger names around the league, Tonga is still a loss for the Patriots.
Tonga posted 14 combined tackles, including one for loss, one quarterback hit and one pass defense as a starter. During the eight-game stretch, he also played 15 offensive snaps mostly as a full back.
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