The New England Patriots could see defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga leave the team after just one season.
New England signed Tonga to a one-year, $2.7 million deal, and he became an impact player on the defense. He started eight games for the Patriots and recorded 24 tackles as he helped New England reach the Super Bowl.
Yet, after a good season with the Patriots, Tonga will be highly sought after this offseason. NFL reporter Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic predicted the Buffalo Bills will steal Tonga away from New England on a two-year, $8.5 million deal.
“Signing a nose tackle would give the Bills the versatility to line up their defensive linemen all across the formation,” Buscaglia wrote in an article published on Monday. “Acquiring Tonga would free up Deone Walker to do more than just man the middle right in front of the center. Tonga will be 30 in July and is coming off a good season in New England. The deal is projected for two years, $8.5 million.”
The Bills will likely make some major changes to their defense after firing Sean McDermott and replacing Bobby Babich as defensive coordinator. The team plans to move from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense, which means a nose tackle becomes more important, which Tonga can be.
In the playoffs for the Patriots, the former seventh-round pick recorded seven tackles and one sack.
NFL free agency is set to begin on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
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