Report: Former Cardinals DL Khyiris Tonga signing with Patriots

Former Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga is signing with the New England Patriots this NFL free agency, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The deal is worth $2.7 million and spans one year, Rapoport added.

Tonga is coming off his lone season in Arizona where he appeared in 13 games (one start) along the interior of the defensive line. He registered 22 tackles.

Khyiris Tonga vs. Josh Sills. #AZCardinals #Colts pic.twitter.com/mkhqpjSVYb

— Tyler Drake (@Tdrake4sports) August 15, 2024

The defensive lineman entered the league as a seventh-round draft pick with the Chicago Bears in 2021.

He lasted one season in Chicago before signing on with the Atlanta Falcons practice squad in 2022. He was then signed off the practice squad by the Minnesota Vikings.

Tonga appeared in 25 games (four starts) for the Vikings from 2022-23 before making his way to Arizona as a free agent last offseason.

With Tonga heading elsewhere and Arizona missing out on free agent Milton Williams, interior defensive line remains a position of need for the organization in 2025.

Injuries did a number to the interior defensive line depth last year with Darius Robinson, Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols missing numerous games due to injury.

That left L.J. Collier, Roy Lopez and Dante Stills to pick up the slack in the rotation. Two of those names — Collier and Lopez — are currently free agents, with the latter playing the same position as Tonga. Both Collier and Lopez have been linked as potential return options for Arizona this offseason.

Cardinals staying active this NFL free agency despite Khyiris Tonga departure

Arizona didn’t re-up with Tonga, but it has brought back Kelvin Beachum, Evan Brown, Baron Browning, Joey Blount and Aaron Brewer.

The biggest move so far, though, was the addition of free agent pass rusher Josh Sweat.

The Super Bowl champion comes over from Philadelphia after registering 10.5 sacks across the regular season and playoffs for the Eagles.

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