5 riskiest NFL free agency moves that could backfire
By Lior Lampert
2. Dalvin Tomlinson to the Browns
A former second-round pick out of Alabama, Tomlinson has made a name for himself in the league as one of the better run stuffers in the NFL. Tomlinson figures to give Myles Garrett some much-needed help on the defensive line.
After signing a four-year deal worth up to $57 million (with $27.5 million guaranteed), Tomlinson is now the 10th highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL by average annual value. The Browns already have $455 million in contract value (no, that is not a typo), committed to the likes of Deshaun Watson, Myles Garrett, and Amari Cooper.
He has typically buttered his bread with his ability to defend against the run, but Tomlinson has struggled when it comes to getting to the quarterback. He posted just 2.5 sacks last year and 13 in his career. Additionally, the big nose tackle missed four games last season due to a calf injury, it was the first time in his career he’s sat out any NFL game.
Playing a physically demanding position in the NFL, this is a noteworthy trend that we must pay attention to as Tomlinson gets older. A one-dimensional player and approaching the wrong side 30, this signing could come back to haunt the Browns.