Dalvin Tomlinson

Career StatsB

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		142	20.0	368	48.5
2025		17	1.0	26	4.5
2024		16	3.0	26	7.5
2023		16

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This signing grades out as a significant overpay for the Arizona Cardinals — the team is paying more than the on-field production currently warrants. Dalvin's on-field performance ranks in the lower half among NFL DTs, grading him as a rotational player at the position. His $6.2M average annual value ranks as below-market money for the DT market. The concern here is the gap between production and cost — rotational player output at below-market money means the team is paying a premium above the player's on-field value. Dalvin is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the D band — a quick read on where Dalvin's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Dalvin Tomlinson remains a steady veteran interior defender entering his ninth season, though Arizona's 32-year-old anchor is showing signs of age-related decline in 2025. After building a respectable track record as a run-stuffer and two-gap defender across nine seasons and 142 games, Tomlinson has transitioned into a reserve-to-rotational role. His current season performance reflects a noticeable step back from prior years, warranting close evaluation of his remaining utility. Tomlinson's tackle production sits at 1.53 per game, matching NFL average benchmarks but failing to distinguish him among elite interior linemen who register north of 3.69 tackles weekly. His sack rate of 0.06 per game trails the league average of 0.14, revealing limited pass-rush effectiveness—a concerning trend for a position demanding consistent pressure. Conversely, his tackle-for-loss rate of 0.26 per game remains respectable relative to the 0.27 NFL standard, suggesting his gap discipline and instincts remain functional despite declining explosiveness. The trajectory merits attention: Tomlinson dropped from a C+ in 2023 to a B-minus in 2024 before settling into a D-grade 2025 campaign. While his career body of work as a dependable two-down defender exceeds this season's output, the steep recent decline signals potential end-of-career diminishment. Arizona should monitor whether Tomlinson can stabilize his performance or consider transitioning him to a limited-snap package. His veteran presence holds organizational value, but he's no longer a full-time anchor along the interior.

How Dalvin Compares at the Position

Dalvin Tomlinson ranks 41st of 217 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots Dalvin between Jordan Davis (B) just ahead and Poona Ford (B) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Chargers add a reliable interior defensive lineman in free agency to bolster depth. Media coverage frames Tomlinson as an overlooked value signing, generating modest but positive attention. Tomlinson's proven ability to play both run defense and pass rush represents a solid foundational piece. Fans view this as a smart, under-the-radar addition rather than a flashy headline move. Chargers likely deploy him as a rotational starter competing for snaps in their defensive line rotation.