In a move that reflects the Arizona Cardinals’ aggressive strategy to rebuild their defensive identity, the team has officially signed veteran defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson to a two-year deal worth up to $29 million, with $16 million guaranteed. The signing was confirmed by Tomlinson’s agency on social media and later validated by several league insiders. This acquisition not only signals the Cardinals’ intent to be more competitive in the trenches but also highlights a growing emphasis on leadership and consistency on defense.
A Proven Veteran Presence
Dalvin Tomlinson, 30, brings with him a resume built on discipline, durability, and dependable performance. A former standout at the University of Alabama, Tomlinson was part of the Crimson Tide’s national title-winning teams in 2012 and 2015 under coach Nick Saban. Known for his technical prowess and high football IQ, Tomlinson transitioned smoothly into the NFL after being selected by the New York Giants in the second round (55th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Over the course of his eight-year NFL career—spanning the Giants, Vikings, and Browns—Tomlinson has started 125 games, registering 342 total tackles, 19 sacks, 67 quarterback hits, and 43 tackles for loss. His ability to play across the defensive interior makes him a versatile chess piece for defensive coordinators, especially in hybrid fronts.
Cleveland Chapter: Solid but Short-Lived
Tomlinson signed a four-year, $57 million contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2023, a deal that underscored how highly he was valued across the league. In two seasons with the Browns, he remained a key figure on a defense led by Myles Garrett. During the 2023 and 2024 campaigns, he played in all 32 games, posting 54 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 30 QB hits, and 6 sacks.
Despite his contributions, the Browns found themselves in a financial squeeze, especially with big-money contracts like Garrett’s and the guaranteed-heavy deal for quarterback Deshaun Watson. In March 2025, Cleveland released Tomlinson to create $6.41 million in cap space, making him one of the top free agents on the defensive line market.
The Fit in Arizona: Strategic and Symbolic
For the Arizona Cardinals, who finished near the bottom of the league in run defense and total defense in 2024, Tomlinson’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time. Arizona surrendered an average of 139.3 rushing yards per game, ranking 30th in the NFL. The addition of Tomlinson is intended to change that immediately.
General Manager Monti Ossenfort, now entering his third season at the helm, made bolstering the defensive line a top priority during free agency. Pairing Tomlinson with other recent additions such as Josh Sweat (via trade from the Eagles), Justin Jones, and Bilal Nichols, the Cardinals now feature a defensive front with both athleticism and experience.
“We knew we had to get stronger at the point of attack,” Ossenfort said during an interview. “Dalvin brings leadership, toughness, and a proven ability to disrupt both the run and the pass.”
A Mentor for the Future
Beyond his production on the field, Tomlinson is expected to serve as a mentor for Arizona’s younger linemen, including 2025 first-round draft pick Walter Nolen. The former Texas A&M and Ole Miss standout was widely regarded as one of the most physically dominant defensive tackle prospects in this year’s class. Tomlinson’s presence offers Nolen a masterclass in technique, preparation, and how to sustain success at the highest level.
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, one of the youngest play-callers in the NFL, will now have a chance to deploy multiple fronts and schemes, confident that Tomlinson can serve as an anchor against double teams and create opportunities for edge players like Zaven Collins and BJ Ojulari.
Locker Room Influence
One of the underrated aspects of Tomlinson’s game is his character and locker room presence. Universally described as humble, team-oriented, and detail-driven, Tomlinson’s reputation off the field is just as polished as his game tape. In his introductory press conference, he expressed excitement about joining a young, hungry team.
“I love the energy here,” Tomlinson said. “There’s a real sense of building something special. I’m here to help however I can—on the field, in the film room, and as a teammate.”
The Cardinals have made it clear they’re trying to change their team culture, moving away from inconsistency and underachievement to building a sustainable, winning program. Veterans like Tomlinson are essential to that mission.
Scheme Versatility
Tomlinson thrives in both 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes, which is ideal for Arizona’s evolving defensive playbook. He can line up as a traditional nose tackle in odd fronts, as a 3-technique disruptor in even fronts, or even slide to 5-tech in short-yardage packages. His combination of 6-foot-3, 317-pound size and excellent leverage makes him a problem for opposing offensive linemen.
He also has a reputation for staying on the field—a rarity among interior linemen. Tomlinson has never missed more than three games in a season, underscoring his value as a durable and consistent contributor.
How the NFC West Shapes Up
In a division that features dominant run games like the San Francisco 49ers with Christian McCaffrey and the Los Angeles Rams‘ creative zone schemes, run defense is a critical piece of the puzzle. With Tomlinson in the fold, the Cardinals are clearly aiming to be more competitive within the division.
Though still considered a rebuilding team, Arizona now has a solid nucleus on both sides of the ball. Between quarterback Kyler Murray’s return to full health, the development of top 2023 draft picks Paris Johnson Jr. and Garrett Williams, and the defensive reinforcements, expectations are rising in the desert.
Contract Analysis
Tomlinson’s two-year, $29 million contract makes him one of the higher-paid interior defensive linemen in this free agent class, but the $16 million guaranteed portion gives the Cardinals flexibility. If Tomlinson continues to play at a high level, the deal becomes a bargain. If not, the team isn’t locked in long-term.
For comparison, Tomlinson’s deal is slightly more team-friendly than the contracts signed by similarly productive veterans like DaQuan Jones or Shelby Harris, making this a calculated, low-risk investment for Arizona.
The Bigger Picture
This signing symbolizes a philosophical shift in Arizona’s front office: build through youth, reinforce with veterans. While their 2025 draft class focused on foundational pieces like Walter Nolen, the Cardinals also understand the importance of stability and experience to guide that youth.
By bringing in a player like Tomlinson, the Cardinals are signaling to fans, opponents, and the league that they are no longer just collecting talent—they’re building a cohesive team with identity and purpose.
A Win-Win Move
In the grand scheme of the 2025 offseason, the acquisition of Dalvin Tomlinson might not make headlines like quarterback trades or top-five picks, but it’s precisely the kind of smart, culture-setting move that lays the groundwork for long-term success.
If he plays to his usual standard, Tomlinson will not only help the Cardinals win games but also help shape the next generation of Arizona defenders. For a franchise looking to turn the corner, this is more than a signing—it’s a statement.
