PHX Reporter

The Arizona Cardinals have taken steps to strengthen their defensive line by signing Dalvin Tomlinson. The move came after Tomlinson was released by the Cleveland Browns, and the Cardinals' General Manager Monti Ossenfort acted quickly to secure his services.

By Wednesday evening, both parties had agreed on a two-year contract. Although the team has not officially announced the deal, Tomlinson's agents tweeted that it is worth $16 million guaranteed with a potential maximum of $29 million.

Tomlinson, aged 31, entered the NFL as a second-round pick for the New York Giants in 2017. He later played for the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Browns in 2023 on a lucrative free-agent contract. However, due to salary cap constraints—partly from making Myles Garrett the highest-paid non-quarterback—the Browns decided to release him despite his consistent performance.

During his tenure with Cleveland over two seasons, Tomlinson started all 32 games he participated in. His stats include six sacks, ten tackles for loss, and thirty quarterback hits while maintaining strong run-defense grades from Pro Football Focus. Over his career, he has started all 125 games he has played, missing only three games in one season.

The Cardinals have faced losses on their defensive line with Roy Lopez and Khyiris Tonga leaving in free agency but have retained L.J. Collier and expect Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones to return from injuries. They also anticipate significant contributions from Darius Robinson, their first-round pick in 2024 who struggled with injuries last season.

Tomlinson joins a free agent class that includes outside linebacker Josh Sweat, inside linebackers Akeem Davis-Gaither and Mykal Walker, along with quarterback Jacoby Brissett.