The New England Patriots are in decent shape entering free agency, as there seems to be mutual interest between the organization and all of its internal free agents.
It’s just not that easy…
If the club intends on truly getting over the hump, difficult decisions will need to be made regarding some of those players — but that isn't the case with Khyiris Tonga.
Is it really much of a decision? How difficult will it be to bring him back? How could it impact the rest of the offseason?
Let's take a look!
Bio:
Khyiris Tonga
Position: DL
Height: 6’ 2"
Weight: 335lbs
Age: 29 (July 7, 1996)
2025: 17 G, 1.0 SACKS, 4 TFL, 2 PBU
The Patriots should bring back Khyiris Tonga because:
If there was ever a position group that you don't want to mess with, it's the interior defensive line.
Tonga was part of an incredible unit that included superstars Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, up-and-comers Cory Durden and Leonard Williams III, and developmental prospects Joshua Farmer and Eric Gregory -- with everyone slated to return next season with the exception of the former.
It's a good group, so while there's an expectation that some of the younger players will take a step forward, dishing out some cash to keep the entire unit together is the smart move.
Tonga is the group's only true option at nose tackle, and turned in the best season of his career in that regard after helping his club keep opposing running backs from doing much of anything through the first half of the regular season -- eventually ending up playing more snaps against the run (159) than anyone else in that group other than Barmore (236) and Durden (189).
The Patriots should not bring back Khyiris Tonga because:
Durden is going to take on a much larger role next season, so there might not be room for a return...
The Patriots found more than a few diamonds in the rough last offseason, but perhaps no one stood out more than the journeyman defensive tackle who became a fixture in the lineup after injuries opened up opportunities during the middle portion of the regular season. If you compare both Tonga and Durden, there isn't much of a question as to who will receive more opportunities moving forward.
Tonga finished with respectable grades against the run (54.6) and pass (74.3), according to PFF -- though he missed several games with injury last season and saw his snap counts decrease down the stretch. Durden was just better, finishing with better grades against the run (57.5) and pass (81.4), according to PFF -- while being the primary reason for his teammate's decrease in playing time.
Prediction:
Khyiris Tonga re-signs with the New England Patriots.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I've admittedly used that reasoning before with regard to Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson, but the point remains. New England has so many other things to address, bringing back someone who consistently contributes on short money is smart business, so run it back with the same unit and focus on making changes elsewhere.
More NFL: Patriots Offseason Preview: Everything Team Must Address In 2026