The New England Patriots had several defensive breakout stars this season. Cory Durden, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Jaylinn Hawkins all became key tenets to the defense, something no one would have expected going into the year.
The latter two are free agents that should have a healthy market, but each has indicated they'd like to return to New England. They may have been priced out of seeing a fourth breakout player return, however.
Khyiris Tonga was one of the more surprising two-way contributors this season. The former BYU Cougar signed a one-year deal after leaving the Cardinals last season, quickly becoming an integral part of their interior defensive line. He also took snaps as a fullback, most notably clearing the way for TreVeyon Henderson on a 69-yard touchdown run against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Patriots have the chance to add a more traditional fullback this offseason, but should Tonga leave, his run-stopping ability will be missed. While weeks ago his return seemed a given, his price tag has risen after a strong playoff run, according to Mark Daniels of Mass Live.
Some sites have suggested the Utah-born defensive tackle could receive as much as $7.5 million a year, which would likely leave the Patriots looking at alternatives.
The Patriots may need to look for DT options other than Khyiris Tonga
New England has just over $40 million in cap space as things stand, but they'll need to bring contributors back while adding to the offense. Aside from Tonga, Chaisson, and Hawkins, Jack Gibbens is also an RFA.
The struggles of the Patriots' offense will also see them in the market for another top receiver and help across the offensive line. Christian Gonzalez is also now eligible for a contract extension.
The aforementioned Durden was a lineman the Patriots were able to get more from for less this season. 2025 fourth-round pick Joshua Farmer, whom the Patriots traded up for, will be back after missing the latter half of the season on IR.
UDFA Eric Gregory also showed promise. Neither is quite as big as 335-pound Tonga, but each profile is that of a full-time nose tackle, hovering around 320 pounds.
Free agency could offer the team a chance to replace Tonga. D.J. Reader and DaQuan Jones are both experienced veterans whose Spotrac market value is listed at under $4 million per season. While it seems likely each will receive a new contract that will eclipse that value, each has had longer sustained success in the NFL than Tonga.
Alternatively, the Patriots could look to the draft to improve their defensive line. Domonique Orange, or "Big Citrus", is one of the top nose options out of Iowa State, slated by PFF as a second-round pick. If they want to make a big splash, selecting Texas Tech's 330-pound Lee Hunter at No. 31 could anchor their run defense for years to come.
Between opportunities in free agency, their 12 draft picks, and a promising pair of sophomores in Farmer and Gregory, the Patriots have insurance to Tonga should he depart in free agency.