FOXBOROUGH – Khyiris Tonga didn’t have a personal stake in Super Bowl LIX, but was amazed by what he saw.
A veteran defensive tackle, Tonga thoroughly enjoyed watching Milton Williams dominate on the biggest stage. A young defensive tackle, Williams sacked Patrick Mahomes twice in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl win.
“It makes me want to do the same thing,” Tonga said Friday. “That’s the goal.”
Now, Tonga has the chance to accomplish that feat alongside Williams.
This week, the Patriots made signing Williams their top priority in free agency and awarded the 25-year-old defensive tackle with a massive, 4-year, $104 million deal. As it turns out, the team wasn’t done adding to the position. This week, they also signed Tonga, 28, to a 1-year, $2.7 million contract.
Now, the newest Patriots defensive tackle is thrilled to join forces with Williams and Christian Barmore.
“I know enough to know that they’re dominant,” Tonga said. “I got to see them play. When Milton – obviously everyone got to see it on display in February. I’m excited to be able to play side-by-side and do whatever I can to be with them.”
Williams and Barmore will be the star attractions on the Patriots defensive line. Although, there’s still uncertainty surrounding Barmore as he recovers from his setback with blood clots.
This offseason, the Patriots have made several changes at the defensive tackle position. The team traded Davon Godchaux to New Orleans this week. Last year’s starter, Daniel Ekuale also remains a free agent.
Tonga, at 6-foot-4, 338 pounds, is a bigger nose tackle like Godchaux and provides the Patriots depth on their defensive line. He broke into the NFL as a seventh-round pick by Chicago. He spent two seasons in Minnesota and played last year in Arizona where he finished with 22 tackles.
Tonga can’t wait to compete with Williams and Milton.
“I like to think of myself as a strong trying to be dominant in the front,” Tonga said. “But I played in so many fronts to where I feel I can be comfortable along the line, wherever they would (play) me most.
“I love it all. I just love being in the trenches. It’s so fun for me.”
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