After addressing their biggest need on offense by signing running back Kenneth Walker III, the Kansas City Chiefs shifted their focus to the other side of the ball by acquiring defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga.
According to a report from NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Chiefs are signing Tonga to a three-year, $21 million contract. Defensive line is certainly one of their top roster needs, and Tonga will be the first new addition to rebuild the unit.
Deal negotiated by @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi of @aurasportsgroup
Kansas City Chiefs Will Get a Boost in Their Defensive Line From Khyiris Tonga
Tonga is a five-year NFL veteran who has bounced around with several different teams. He spent the 2025 season with the New England Patriots, where he recorded 24 total tackles, four quarterback pressures, and two passes defended in 14 games played. He also ranked 38th out of 134 qualifying defensive lineman with a 67.2 grade from Pro Football Focus.
Tonga will provide the Chiefs with excellent depth and could have a chance at a full-time starting role. With Omarr Norman-Lott coming off a torn ACL injury, Tonga will make for good insurance if he is slow to recover. When Norman-Lott is healthy and ready to go, he and Tonga could make up a dynamic duo.
Perhaps most importantly, the acquisition of Tonga will take some pressure off of star defensive tackle Chris Jones. The past couple of seasons have been a tough go for Jones as he has faced constant double and triple-teams against opposing offensive lines. He is still playing at a high level overall, but lack of help has hurt his recent production.
Examining the State of the Chiefs’ Defensive Line
GettyChris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs walks during a timeout during the third quarter against the Houston Texans in the Divisional round playoff.
While the addition of Tonga is a positive, Kansas City’s work on the unit shouldn’t be finished. The Chiefs recently released defensive end Mike Danna for salary cap savings, and aren’t expected to retain veterans such as Charles Omenihu, Mike Pennel, Jerry Tillery, and Derrick Nnadi.
Here is a look at the defensive linemen the Kansas City currently has under contract:
- Chris Jones
- Khyiris Tonga
- Omarr Norman-Lott
- George Karlaftis
- Ashton Gillotte
- Felix Anudike-Uzomah
- Marcus Harris
- Tyreke Smith
It remains to be seen if Norman-Lott and Gillotte can become consistent impact players. Norman-Lott did show some promise before sustaining his ACL injury last season, and Gillotte earned the team’s Mack Lee Hill Rookie of the Year Award. Anudike-Uzomah has been injury riddled and unproductive three years into his career in Kansas City.
George Karlaftis is coming off a disappointing 2025 campaign, tying a career low in sacks with six. His sack total has declined every year since he recorded 10.5 in 2023. However, he isn’t going anywhere after signing a four-year, $93 million contract last offseason, so hopefully Tonga and additions yet to come will open things up more for Karlaftis.
The most glaring need remaining along the Chiefs’ defensive line is a starting defensive end opposite of Karlaftis. It will be crucial to the improvement of their pass rush for that player to be a difference maker. Kansas City could add a big name in free agency, or wait until the 2026 NFL Draft, in which it currently owns nine picks in.
Chiefs Address Defensive Side of Ball With Latest FA Signing