The New England Patriots made key additions on defense, and that has one new addition to the team all excited.
Recently-signed Patriots defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga talked up his new defensive line teammates - Christian Barmore and Milton Williams. Tonga signed a one-year, $2.1 million deal with the Patriots after he spent the past season with the Arizona Cardinals.
"I know enough to know that they're dominant," Tong told reporters via ABC 6's Ian Steele on Friday. "With 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."
Tonga is listed as second string on the Patriots' depth chart, but he can make plays when on the field. He had 16 tackles amid 229 defensive snaps in 13 games last year.
A former BYU standout and seventh-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears, Tonga has played in 53 career games with three different teams. He spent his rookie year in Chicago before a two-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings, and Tonga joined the Cardinals last year as a free agent.
If he does get to play up front with Barmore and Williams, Tonga will play along two seasoned edge rushers. Barmore posted 8.5 sacks and 64 tackles in 2023 before just four games in 2024 due to blood clots. Williams shined with the Philadelphia Eagles last season with five sacks and 24 tackles, plus two sacks in the Super Bowl.
Off the field, Tonga said he's seeking dining recommendations in the area. The Utah native is 6-foot-4, 338 pounds after all.
"I love to eat...I love food. I love Polynesian food," he told reporters via 98.5 The Sports Hub's Alex Barth.
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 4:00 PM.