PATRIOTS NEWS Mark Daniels - Tonga and Patriots have failed in contract talks.

[Family]

I love Tonga, but how much are we talking because they're probably right?

 

[TommyD4207]

I love Tonga, but how much are we talking because they're probably right?

Good, he can go play for the Cardinals. Then when he disappears after Thanksgiving, no one will notice.

I'm fine not paying big money to a 30+ journeyman.

 

[gobesmug]

This maybe his final contract. No problems with him wanting to maximize his pay.

 

[KCSVEN]

Solid veteran contributor at 25 snaps a game but not moving the needle on wins and losses in 2026. Easy pass if money is too much.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I liked him but not for big money.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Another Godsmack now thinking he's better than he really is. The undeserved hype from media didn't help.

 

[AQPE]

It’s about value, for the money he wants is he irreplaceable? I personally think this is a good example of where a line could be drawn, he was a nice surprise this year but can be replaced maybe even with guys currently on the roster

 

[Dec54]

I liked him but not for big money.

Not at the top of the "big" money list.

 

[TommyD4207]

It’s about value, for the money he wants is he irreplaceable? I personally think this is a good example of where a line could be drawn, he was a nice surprise this year but can be replaced maybe even with guys currently on the roster

His replacements are already on the team, and they could always improve with another journeyman.
That's where his leverage goes poof.

 

[Ring 6]

His replacements are already on the team, and they could always improve with another journeyman.
That's where his leverage goes poof.

The system is DT friendly, especially with Barmore and Williams next to you.
Tonga was a jag who shined for a while. Nice to keep, but not needed.

Market will probably teach him a lesson.

 

[maust]

This maybe his final contract. No problems with him wanting to maximize his pay.

5 years and 5 teams with career earnings of $6.4M, can't blame the man in the least for looking to bank some coin

 

[50-yard-line]

Welcome him back if he doesn't find anything better.

Guy should get the most he can at this point, given career earnings and age.

 

[Real fan 02]

This maybe his final contract. No problems with him wanting to maximize his pay.

Absolutely... I'm always going to side with the players...they put it all the line to entertain us... hope he gets his bag..

 

[DaBruinz]

I don't get Tonga's thinking on this. He had a deal in place, but went back to the team for more money right before the play-offs?

Tonga played in his most defensive snaps of his career at 337. But the reality is that Williams was more of a weapon against the run than he was. He's a nice piece to have, but he's certainly replaceable.

 

[imahobgoblin]

I don't get Tonga's thinking on this. He had a deal in place, but went back to the team for more money right before the play-offs?

Tonga played in his most defensive snaps of his career at 337. But the reality is that Williams was more of a weapon against the run than he was. He's a nice piece to have, but he's certainly replaceable.

He is thinking about 1 thing: $$$. I don't blame him at all.

 

[Ross12]

I guess I am not quite understanding. He almost signed an extension before the playoffs but it fell through, then he had a somewhat middling playoff run, and now the price has somehow gone UP? If anything, the price should have come down... It's not like he lit the world on fire in the postseason. The defense played well, but it wasn't because of him.

 

[Username]

I understand it.

It's going to be his final contract. He had a career year. His stock is as high as it will ever be. He wants to test the market. I mean, it's a risk for him because the Pats might well move on and he could be left taking less somewhere else. But I can understand why he'd want to roll the dice.

 

[hornetfb85]

It is what it is.
Re-sign Chaisson and Hawkins
Go after a top edge and guard in free agency
Kayden McDonald/Lee Hunter in the 1st if Freeling is gone

 

[Borg140]

I guess I am not quite understanding. He almost signed an extension before the playoffs but it fell through, then he had a somewhat middling playoff run, and now the price has somehow gone UP? If anything, the price should have come down... It's not like he lit the world on fire in the postseason. The defense played well, but it wasn't because of him.

Yep. Unless there’s something else going on we don’t know about, it seems like an overplay. Tonga is replaceable ultimately, so I’m not too concerned about it.

 

[DaBruinz]

I guess I am not quite understanding. He almost signed an extension before the playoffs but it fell through, then he had a somewhat middling playoff run, and now the price has somehow gone UP? If anything, the price should have come down... It's not like he lit the world on fire in the postseason. The defense played well, but it wasn't because of him.

It fell through because he asked for more before the play-offs is how I read it. Then, as you said, his play was ok in the play-offs. I agree with you.

The play doesn't justify the ask.