The New Theory for Dalvin Tomlinson in 2023

Not So Fast on Dalvin
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Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson was arguably the team’s most consistent defender in 2022. The man is not an elite player; the man also doesn’t have bad games.

Now, he’s a free agent and can sign anywhere on March 15th. The Vikings had a deadline Monday to extend Tomlinson and spread his upcoming $7.5 million dead cap penalty around the theoretical extension years. But the deadline passed, and Tomlinson will now hit free agency like hundreds of NFLers.

The New Theory for Dalvin Tomlinson in 2023

And according to ESPN, Tomlinson’s best free-agent destination in 2023 is the Atlanta Falcons.

The New Theory for Dalvin
Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) pressures Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) causing a fumble during their football game on Sunday, January, 1, 2023 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. © Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK.

ESPN published an article Tuesday detailing the best team fits for the NFL’s Top 50 free agents, and for Tomlinson, it’s the NFC South. ESPN’s Matt Bowen elaborated on the fit, “The Falcons could boost their defensive line with Tomlinson, a 325-pound nose guard who can play as a 1-technique in a 40 front. With 13 sacks over six pro seasons, Tomlinson isn’t going to bring high-end pass-rush production to Atlanta.”

“But thanks to lateral quickness and that size, Tomlinson can clog up running lanes, demand double-teams and provide an interior push next to Grady Jarrett to take away opposing quarterback’s throwing platforms,” Bowen added.

Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.

Atlanta’s defense ranked 29th leaguewide in 2022 per defensive EPA/Play, so the club has a chore to fix the glitch this offseason. Signing Tomlinson in the middle of the trenches would assuredly help as the man is equitably productive via stopping the run and rushing the passer. Tomlinson is expected to command about $10 million per season on the open market, a sum that could be too rich for the Vikings.

If Tomlinson does not rejoin the Vikings, general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah could use free agency to sign a homerun hitter like Daron Payne from the Washington Commanders, a step below Payne with someone like Sheldon Rankins from the New York Jets, promote current DT Khyiris Tonga who was re-signed last weekend, or use early-round draft capital for a Tomlinson replacement. The options are plentiful.

What Difference Does Dalvin Tomlinson Make?
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.

Minnesota also has these defensive tackles under contract for next year, although the group isn’t peppered with starting talent aside from Harrison Phillips:

  • Ross Blacklock
  • Sheldon Day
  • James Lynch
  • Esezi Otomewo
  • Harrison Phillips
  • T.J. Smith
  • Khyris Tonga

Other ‘fits’ from Bowen’s article included Byron Murphy (CB) to the Vikings, Derek Carr (QB) to the New Orleans Saints, Jamel Dean (CB) to the Falcons with Tomlinson, Jimmy Garoppolo to the New York Jets, and Odell Beckham to the Dallas Cowboys, among others.

The Falcons already employ former Vikings players Kyle Hinton (OL), Jaleel Johnson (DT), Dylan Mabin (CB), Cordarrelle Patterson, and (RB) MyCole Pruitt (TE).


Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.

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