Khyiris Tonga expected to leave Patriots for division rival for $8.5M originally appeared on NESN. Click here to add NESN as your preferred source.
New England Patriots defensive tackle Kelis Tonga may be leaving the team after just one season.
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He signed a one-year, $2.7 million contract with Tonga, where he became an influential player in the defense. He started eight games for the Patriots and had 24 tackles, helping New England reach the Super Bowl.
However, after a great season with the Patriots, Tonga will be highly sought after this offseason. NFL reporter Joe Buscaglia predicts the Buffalo Bills will steal Tonga from New England on a two-year, $8.5 million contract.
“Signing a tackle will give the Bills the versatility to line up defensive linemen throughout the lineup,” Buscaglia wrote in a post Monday. “Acquiring Tonga will free up Dionne Walker to do more than just play center in front of center. Tonga will turn 30 in July and is set to have a good season in New England. The deal is expected to be two years and worth $8.5 million.”
The Bills could be making some big changes on defense after firing Sean McDermott and replacing Bobby Babbage as defensive coordinator. The team plans to switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense, which means that tackles become more important, and this is the case with Tonga.
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In the Patriots’ playoff run, the former seventh-round pick recorded seven tackles and one sack.
NFL free agency is scheduled to begin on March 11 at 4 p.m. ET.
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