There’s no question that the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive line underachieved in 2025. Well, that might not be the case after the team acquired former New England Patriots standout Defensive Tackle, Khyiris Tonga.
After striking a deal to add some offensive punch with the signing of Super Bowl LX MVP Running Back Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City found a defensive standout in the runner-up. Per the NFL Network, the Chiefs have added Defensive Tackle Khyiris to play next to All-Pro Chris Jones.
The standout defender signed a one-year prove-it deal with the Patriots last year, and he did make it to the Super Bowl, but New England was outmanned by the Seattle Seahawks. The three-year deal was first reported by @Mike Garafolo and includes over $14M in guarantees and incentives.
With Omarr Norman-Lott recovering from an ACL injury, the addition of Tonga means Derrick Nnadi won’t be back, and Norman-Lott can return to a rotational role on the Chiefs’ defensive line. New England placed a priority on returning their Defensive Tackle, but they didn’t match the deal in Kansas City.
He entered the league as a 2021 seventh-round pick for the Chicago Bears. With a crowded defensive line, the Bears let him go, and the Patriots offered him a one-year opportunity. Clearly, he’s made the most of that chance.
Tonga is 29 years old and has bounced around a bit in the NFL, but he excelled in the Patriots’ scheme, and there is no doubt he can duplicate his success in 2025 in Kansas City over the next couple of years. He can also play fullback and can plow the road for his new teammate, RB Kenneth Walker III.
Kansas City will also need to look for another starting cornerback, as the Los Angeles Rams signed Jaylen Watson to a massive three-year deal. He’ll team up with Trent McDuffie, who was traded to the LA last week.
Stay tuned to ChiefsBlitz.com for all the Chiefs free agency news.
