The Kansas City Chiefs’ newest defensive lineman says joining the team felt like an easy decision.
Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga spoke with reporters Thursday after agreeing to a deal with Kansas City earlier this week, saying the opportunity to play for head coach Andy Reid, and alongside All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones, made the move an obvious fit.
“Agents got me right with them and it was a no-brainer for me to come here, and I have ties with Coach Reid with BYU. System wise, it’s perfect. Just excited to be here,” Tonga said.
The Chiefs reportedly agreed to a three-year, $21 million deal with Tonga after he spent the 2025 season with the New England Patriots.
He started eight games last year and recorded 24 tackles, playing a role for a team that played in the Super Bowl.
Tonga said one of the things he’s most excited about is learning from Jones, who has been the centerpiece of Kansas City’s defensive line for years.
Khyiris Tonga on playing with Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones:
“I’m pumped to be able to come in and play next to Chris,” he said. “I just met him for the first time in the weight room. He looks pretty mad about last season and I’m excited.”
Jones was excited about the addition, posting on social media shortly after the signing that “Tonga is a dawg.”
Tonga, who has played for the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals and Patriots during his five-year NFL career, says the foundation of his game comes down to physicality.
“I love being physical,” Tonga said. “My game is I take a lot of pride in how physical my hands can be. I take a lot of pride in how fast I can get off the ball.”
He also said he’s eager to learn from the veterans already in the Chiefs’ defensive line room.
“I can’t wait to be able to learn from Chris (Jones) and learn from all the other guys in the d-line room that does everything so well. Yeah, it’ll be fun,” Tonga said.
Tonga has played in 67 career games with 15 starts, recording 113 tackles, six tackles for loss and six quarterback hits.