Bryce Lazenby
The Patriots spent a ton of resources this offseason to improve a team that went 4-13 last year. Part of those improvements included a new coaching staff led by franchise legend Mike Vrabel, and free agent additions like Stefon Diggs, Milton Williams, and Carlton Davis II.
Of course, Williams is the most notable defensive lineman addition the team made, but he wasn’t the only one. The team also brought in massive nose tackle Khyiris Tonga on a one-year, $2.7 million deal. Tonga has been a journeyman in his career, spending his rookie season with the Bears, the next two with the Vikings, and last year with the Cardinals. The signing of Tonga didn’t get much attention when it happened, but the former BYU standout is seeing his stock rise ahead of the preseason opener.
Conor Ryan of Boston.com recently identified the players who have seen their stocks rise and fall lately, and Tonga is in the former category. Regarding Tonga’s status, Ryan offered the following:
An underrated free-agent pickup by New England, Tonga has been a force at the line of scrimmage so far during camp.
There’s plenty of hype regarding New England’s pass rush in 2025 due to the signing of Milton Williams, Christian Barmore’s return, and the continued development of Keion White. But, the 29-year-old Tonga has been disruptive during practices as the big man in the middle — generating pressure while also clogging up running lanes given his 6-foot-2, 335-pound frame.
Much like other underrated nose tackles in New England like Sealver Siliga and Alan Branch, Tonga could offer up plenty of value doing the dirty work up front for the Patriots in 2025.
As Ryan mentioned, Tonga has been a standout this summer due to his size and ability to clog lanes. Tonga has frequently been the first backup inserted in, which could say a ton about his status heading into cut day.
The nose tackle position isn’t the sexiest, but Tonga is capable of doing the dirty work and being a solid contributor, especially on running downs. In 2024, Tonga played in 13 games and collected 22 tackles. The BYU product actually graded out better as a pass rusher than a run defender last season, showing he’s more than capable of contributing in both phases.
For what it’s worth, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald also shouted out Tonga earlier this offseason, listing the nose tackle as one of the players who’s helped himself the most this summer.
