Khyiris Tonga’s projected impact on the Chiefs cannot be understated

For years, the Kansas City Chiefs have had one of the toughest, grittiest, and most dominant defensive tackles in the game. Unfortunately, Father Time is undefeated, and it's clearly starting to catch up to Chris Jones.

While Jones is still a star, and he's not to blame for everything that went wrong last year, he could certainly use some help. Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, and Jerry Tillery all rotated opposite him, and none of them did much to alleviate his burden.

That's why signing Khyiris Tonga might be the team's most overlooked offseason move. He's coming off a career year with the Super Bowl-bound New England Patriots, and his ability to take on double teams should open up plenty of rushing lanes for Jones to get to the quarterback.

Khyiris Tonga can be the Chiefs' unsung hero in 2026

The Chiefs didn't hesitate to let Tillery and Nnadi leave to join Lou Anarumo on the Indianapolis Colts. Omarr Norman-Lott should be in the mix after a promising rookie season that was cut short with an injury, but Tonga will most likely handle as many snaps as he can get.

Tonga excels at taking on double-teams and multiple gaps in the running game. Notably, Pro Football Focus gave him a higher pass-rushing grade (75.6, 13th of 134 DL) than a run defense grade (54.6, 66th), but he's always been much more efficient on the ground. Also, like with most interior defensive linemen, his true impact doesn't always show up on the stat sheet.

Tonga's hand placement, technique, and impressive strength will make him the perfect complement next to Jones, who's always been in the upper echelon of pass-rushing defensive tackles. With him by his side, he should have more direct lanes to the quarterback, which should also make life easier for George Karlaftis after a disappointing season.

The Chiefs overhauled their secondary after trading Trent McDuffie, but while all eyes will be on rookie CB Mansoor Delane, Tonga might actually be the most impactful newcomer for Steve Spagnuolo's defense. He won't make a ton of splash plays, but he'll handle all the dirty work to make everyone else's life easier.

Despite having the best quarterback in the game, the Chiefs often rallied behind their championship-caliber defense to get the job done at the highest level. They're looking to replicate that formula, and giving Tonga a three-year, $21 million deal after a career year might be a season-defining move by Brett Veach.

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This article was originally published on kckingdom.com as Khyiris Tonga’s projected impact on the Chiefs cannot be understated.