Andy Reid
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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid in 2023.
The Kansas City Chiefs have been strengthening their roster during free agency.
They have already made multiple signings, particularly on defense. The Chiefs have a few core pieces of the unit already in place, such as defensive tackle Chris Jones, defensive end George Karlaftis, and linebacker Nick Bolton.
Now the they must surround those players with the right complementary pieces. They are off to a good start, bringing in new faces such as safety Alohi Gilman, cornerback Kader Kohou, and defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga.
Chiefs DL Khyiris Tonga Named Among Best Bargain Free Agent Signings of the Offseason
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 21: Khyiris Tonga #95 celebrates with Joshua Farmer #92 of the New England Patriots during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 21, 2025 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)DL Khyiris Tonga
Jared Dubin of CBS Sports recently identified his 10 best bargain deals of the offseason so far. His criteria what partly based on players who signed contracts with an average annual value of $15 million per year or less. The Chiefs gave Tonga a three-year, $21 million deal earlier this week. Here is why he thinks Tonga is a value:
“Tonga is typically the kind of player you don’t like to pay. A guy in the middle of his career (he’ll turn 30 this offseason) who was available for next to nothing one year before having a career season and then getting paid. But he was so good in his role last year that I think it makes sense — especially at this price point, which isn’t crazy at all. The Chiefs need this type of run-stopper in the middle.”
Tonga is a five-year NFL veteran who has bounced around with several different teams. He spent the 2025 season with the New England Patriots, where he recorded 24 total tackles, four quarterback pressures, and two passes defended in 14 games played. Tonga also ranked 38th out of 134 qualifying defensive lineman with a 67.2 grade from Pro Football Focus.
He may be turning 30 soon, but should be kept fresh as a situational player. Tonga, along with star defensive tackle Chris Jones and second year man Omarr Norman-Lott, could make for a nice trio in the middle of Kansas City’s defense. With Norman-Lott coming off a torn ACL injury, Tonga will make for good insurance early on in 2026 if he is slow to recover.
What Do the Chiefs’ 2026 Free Agent Additions Bring to the Table?
Kenneth Walker III.
GettyRB Kenneth Walker III
We already mentioned Gilman and Kohou, who should have the opportunity to make instant impacts in Kansas City’s secondary this season. In 12 games with the Baltimore Ravens last season, Gilman recorded 68 total tackles, six passes defended, and one forced fumble. Kohou, who could become the defense’s top nickel back, didn’t play in 2025 due to a torn ACL. However, he had a stellar four-year career with the Miami Dolphins prior to that.
On the offensive side of the roster, the Chiefs have a pair of new running backs in Kenneth Walker III and Emari Demercado. Walker is coming off a 2025 campaign where he rushed for 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, and was also named MVP of Super Bowl LX. Demercado has an impressive 6.5 yards per carry average throughout his three-year NFL career, and totaled over 1,100 scrimmage yards for the Arizona Cardinals.