Former New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson has signed a two-year, $22 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, per Ian Rapoport of ESPN.
History repeats, as a big-time #Giants DT goes to the #Vikings. And similar to Linval Joseph, Tomlinson can get a deal new — at 29 in 2023 when cap explodes. https://t.co/ACGmmndgHk
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2021
Dalvin Tomlinson spent the first four years of his career in the Big Apple, racking up eight sacks and 106 solo tackles. Last season, he added 3.5 sacks and 25 solo tackles. These numbers were enough to drum up interest from the Green Bay Packers, who attempted to trade for the lineman during the 2020 campaign, albeit unsuccessful. This adds even more intrigue to the signing, as Green Bay will now face off against Tomlinson in divisional play.
The NFC North rivals, the Packers and Vikings, will go head to head twice during the regular season–once in Green Bay and once in Minnesota.
The contract is structured with a hefty signing bonus of $15 million, as well as $16 million for the first year. The total contract with the Vikings guarantees Tomlinson $16 million, with a total guarantee of $20 million.
Tomlinson will provide a much-needed boost to a Vikings defensive line that ranked 27th in the league in rushing yards allowed, allowing 2,151 yards on the ground for the season. The defensive tackle can add valuable help to the pass rush with his ability to get to the quarterback.
The Vikings most effective pass rusher last season was Yannick Ngakoue, who claimed five sacks last season. That is the lowest number of sacks for the team's sack-leader since 1980. This led head coach Mike Zimmer to express the need for more help on the line.
“A priority for me is that we continue to get more pass rushers. I've always said since the day I walked in here that you've got to have people that can cover and you've got to have people that can rush.”
The Vikings will be hopeful that Tomlinson can be the impact player that brings their defense to the next level.
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