Last season, the Vikings allowed 4.6 yards per carry against opposing running backs, tied for sixth-worst in the league along with several other teams. They also allowed 19 rushing touchdowns (seventh-worst), and 136 first downs on the ground, which marked the NFL’s fourth-worst total. So, if you’re wondering why Minnesota agreed to terms on a two-year, $22 million deal with former Giants interior defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson that includes $20 million guaranteed… well, that’s why.
In terms of annual and guaranteed money, it parks Tomlinson in the middle of the pack at his position, and he’s proven that he can be a step above the average.
Tomlinson had quite the under-the-radar contract year for Big Blue in 2020, matching his 2019 totals in sacks (3.5) and tackles (49) while setting a career high with 28 total pressures and matching his 2019 total with 26 stops. At 6-foot-3 and 317 pounds, Tomlinson gets to the quarterback with quickness, force, and aggression, and if you want a great run-stopper in the middle of your defensive line (which the Vikings do), check out this two-yard loss Tomlinson (No. 94) created for Browns elite back Nick Chubb in Week 15.
Tomlinson (No. 94) rides Cleveland center J.C. Tretter like a small donkey through the slide, crosses Tretter’s face, and blows the whole thing up. He’ll be a major addition to Mike Zimmer’s defense. Plus, adding Tomlinson to a roster that already includes running back Dalvin Cook means that the Vikings have officially cornered the market on Dalvins.
Per @pfref, there are two players named Dalvin who have ever played in the NFL. The #Vikings now have them both.
— Ben Goessling (@GoesslingStrib) March 16, 2021
