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Patriots Loading Up on Defensive Tackles With Another Signing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Michael Hanich | Last updated Mar 10, 2025 5:21 PM ET

The start of legal tampering has been a busy day for several teams, including the New England Patriots. The Patriots had the most salary cap space heading into the 2025 NFL off-season, and they weren’t afraid to use it.

New England made some big signings on both sides of the field. Defensively, they found their veteran edge rusher in Harold Landry and a potential new star defensive tackle in Milton Williams.

They weren’t done addressing the interior defensive line on Monday, Mar. 10. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports the Patriots have signed former Arizona Cardinals nose tackle Khyiris Tonga to a one-year, $2.7 million deal.

Tonga is playing for his fifth team since entering the league in 2021. He is coming off a moderately successful season with the Cardinals last season with 22 total tackles.

This isn’t an early-shattering move for the Patriots, but it does provide some depth and solid size. At 6-4; and 338 pounds, Tonga is a mountain to move at the line of scrimmage. There will be situations where he could come in and help clog running lanes for the opposing offense.

His presence will be needed at nose tackle as insurance for star Christian Barmore, who only played four games in the 2024 season due to blood clots.

Tonga could be a useful addition to head coach Mike Vrabel’s defense, who likes to install multiple packages. He could also be right at the front of certain special team units like PAT/field goal blocks.

Overall, Tonga will be a big addition to a Patriots’ defense that ranked 23rd in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (131.4) last season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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