Patriots came close to extending Khyiris Tonga in-season. Now, his return is uncertain.

Relative to other free agents brought in by the New England Patriots last offseason, Khyiris Tonga came relatively cheap. However, despite playing on a comparatively modest one-year, $2.1 million contract, the veteran defensive tackle proved himself a valuable member of the team’s interior defensive line — so much so that the Patriots tried to extend him during the season.

However, according to a report by Karen Guregian and Mark Daniels of MassLive, talks came apart with an agreement in sight. As a result, the unrestricted free agent’s future is now up in the air:

According to a source, the Patriots and Tonga were close on a contract extension before the playoffs. That deal never materialized, falling apart at the last minute.

The two parties talked again in Indianapolis, but couldn’t come to an agreement because Tonga’s price tag has gone up following the playoff run. … [T]he Patriots’ original deal, which was close, is no longer in the ballpark for what the defensive tackle might make in free agency.

The Patriots aren’t done negotiating with Tonga, but there’s a real chance he lands with another team in the coming weeks.

Brought aboard as an early-down run stuffer, Tonga saw action in 17 games with eight starts and played 32.3% of defensive snaps during the 2025 season. While not as prominently featured as fellow DTs Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, the 29-year-old provided quality play for New England on both defense and as a part-time fullback.

The Patriots attempting to tie him to the organization long-term therefore makes sense, but they will have some competition for his services. There is still time to reach a common ground — free agency proper does not open until March 11 — but the extension that seemed like a done deal just a few weeks ago is no longer a guarantee.

Tonga is one of 14 free agents the Patriots have to take care of this spring, a group also including fellow core defenders K’Lavon Chaisson and Jaylinn Hawkins.

“I’m very thankful of their contributions,” head coach Mike Vrabel said at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis earlier this week. “Each of those players had a very unique contribution to our football team and to our success. There is no way around it. And with that comes an opportunity for them and their particular situation. Would love to have them all back, but we know that that’s not always the case in the National Football League. So, we’ll see where those conversations go.”