Former BYU standout Khyiris Tonga has a chance to secure a starting position with the New England Patriots

The Patriots’ interior defensive line is in transition, and Khyiris Tonga could provide much-needed stability.

Former BYU standout Khyiris Tonga is reportedly set to sign a one-year, $2.7 million contract with the New England Patriots.

Tonga was a seventh-round pick by the Chicago Bears in 2021 and tallied 24 tackles in 15 games as a rookie, starting two of them. He then moved to the Minnesota Vikings, where over two seasons, he registered 43 tackles and half a sack in 25 games, including four starts. Last season, Tonga played for the Arizona Cardinals, appearing in 13 games and starting one, finishing with 22 tackles in just 229 defensive snaps.

Khyiris Tonga’s opportunity to start with the Patriots

Joining the Patriots is a smart career move for Khyiris as he enters his fifth NFL season. New England is coming off a rough 4-13 season and is aiming to rebuild its roster, which is weak from top to bottom.

In short, Khyiris Tonga has a clear shot at earning a starting role with the Patriots in 2025. At the very least, he should secure a consistent rotational position.

The Patriots’ interior defensive line is in flux. The top two defensive tackles from last year, Davon Godcheaux and Daniel Ekuale, were not retained for 2025. Godcheaux was traded to the New Orleans Saints, while Ekuale is now a free agent.

To strengthen the defensive line, the Patriots announced the signing of defensive tackle Milton Williams to a lucrative four-year, $104 million deal, so he’s expected to claim one of the starting spots. However, with little proven talent elsewhere along the interior line, Tonga could seize the chance to start. Last year with the Arizona Cardinals, Tonga earned a PFF grade of 60.0, ranking 83rd out of 219 interior defensive linemen, which is better than the Patriots’ returning options.

New England’s returning defensive players

The Patriots bring back Jeremiah Pharms, who recorded 32 tackles and two sacks in 16 games last season. However, he was re-signed to a two-year, modest $2.28 million deal with only $100,000 guaranteed. His 58.1 PFF grade was slightly below Tonga’s performance last year.

Also returning is Jaquelin Roy, who posted 17 tackles and two sacks in six games for the Patriots last year, earning a one-year contract worth just $1.0 million. His 57.7 PFF grade also fell slightly below Tonga’s mark from the previous season.

Christian Barmore, a solid 2021 second-round pick by the Patriots, has been dealing with blood clots, casting doubt on his future after missing most of the 2024 season.

Though the Patriots could still seek another starting defensive tackle, they have numerous roster holes to fill, and they may be content with Milton Williams anchoring the line while Tonga, Pharms, and Roy compete for the second starting spot. While Pharms and Roy have the upper hand due to their familiarity with the Patriots’ defensive scheme, neither is guaranteed to start.

Khyiris Tonga has been a reliable rotational player throughout his four years in the NFL.

By signing with the New England Patriots, Tonga has positioned himself to earn a starting spot for the first time in his career.