The Vikings are expanding their line of defense. Tom Pelissero Reports from NFL.com (via Twitter) signing Minnesota nose kit Dalvin TomlinsonIan Rapoport Reports from NFL Network (via Twitter) that the deal is worth $ 22 million, including $ 20 million in total guarantees.
Tomlinson has been a constant starter since joining the Giants in 2017. The defensive lineman has started each of the Giants’ 64 games for the past four years, averaging 26.6 tackles and two sacks per season. He had another solid season in 2020, finishing with career highs in tackles for loss (eight) and QB hits (10). Pro Football Focus ranked Tomlinson as the 25th best interior defender out of 126 qualified players in 2020.
While there were reports that the Giants wanted to keep Tomlinson, there were also rumors that the organization was picking up the defensive lineman during last year’s trade deadline; the Packers were mentioned as a potential suitor for the nose gear.
The Vikings have apparently been in the market for defensive linemen. We heard whispers earlier today that they were a potential suitor Trey Hendrickson, who eventually signed with Bengals. Despite Tomlinson’s signing, it sounds like Minnesota is still willing to roll with a defensive tackle Michael Pierce next season.
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