PATRIOTS FREE AGENTS: Khyiris Tonga, Jaquelin Roy (RFA)
NOTABLE EXTERNAL FREE AGENTS: Tim Settle HOU, Jalen Redmon MIN, Logan Hall TB, Teair Tart LAC, Jonah Williams ARI, Sheldon Rankins HOU
POSITION ANALYSIS: The interior of the Patriots defensive line was arguably the biggest strength of the defense when they were at their best in 2025. Led by Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, the unit got solid contributions from their depth, with Khyiris Tonga, Corey Durden and practice squadder Leonard Williams III providing key plays when called upon. Jeremiah Pharms (three games played) and Eric Gregory (six games played) chipped in contributions, while rookie Josh Farmer was just finding his stride when he was lost late in the year to injury.
Tonga was an excellent free agent find last offseason. He was especially dominant in the team's win in Buffalo in Week 5 but battled injuries down the stretch and missed the team's first playoff game against the Chargers. He filled an important nose tackle role, and though Tonga had the best size on the line, it didn't prevent him from getting up-field push on passing downs.
Tonga's role is needed, so there's an easy argument to bring him back on a multi-year pact. However, Tonga turns 30 this summer, and the team could choose to look for a younger option in the draft where there are several big players that fit Tonga's mold. Otherwise, if Milton Williams and Barmore continue to dominate, and Durden, Farmer and Williams continue to develop, this is one position group that won't need a lot of attention, at least in free agency.
Tonga was an excellent free agent find last offseason. He was especially dominant in the team's win in Buffalo in Week 5 but battled injuries down the stretch and missed the team's first playoff game against the Chargers. He filled an important nose tackle role, and though Tonga had the best size on the line, it didn't prevent him from getting up-field push on passing downs.
Tonga's role is needed, so there's an easy argument to bring him back on a multi-year pact. However, Tonga turns 30 this summer, and the team could choose to look for a younger option in the draft where there are several big players that fit Tonga's mold. Otherwise, if Milton Williams and Barmore continue to dominate, and Durden, Farmer and Williams continue to develop, this is one position group that won't need a lot of attention, at least in free agency.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
