The Los Angeles Chargers have made a significant move to bolster their defensive line by signing veteran lineman Dalvin Tomlinson to a one-year contract valued at 7.5 million USD, with 6 million USD guaranteed. This decision comes as the team navigates through a challenging free agency period, during which they have seen some key players depart.
General Manager Joe Hortiz has been focusing on bringing in players who were recently cut, ensuring these signings do not affect the compensatory draft pick formula. With a third-round pick already at stake following the loss of Odafe Oweh, it is essential for the Chargers to strategically manage their roster while maintaining draft capital.
Tomlinson, a former second-round draft choice by the New York Giants in 2017, has previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, and Arizona Cardinals. Over his career, he has primarily lined up as a three-technique defensive tackle, logging significant playing time at the B-gap position with nearly 3,909 snaps recorded. At 32 years old, Tomlinson is coming off what many consider the worst season of his career, registering only 14 pressures, 1 sack, 13 stops, and 16 tackles while playing for a struggling Arizona defense.
Despite concerns regarding his age and performance last season, many believe that Tomlinson”s struggles could be attributed to the overall ineffectiveness of the defensive line on the Cardinals” roster. In contrast, during the 2024 season, he demonstrated his potential with 36 pressures, 4 sacks, 17 stops, and 16 tackles. Given the opportunity to return to form alongside teammates Teair Tart and Jamaree Caldwell, he is expected to bring both experience and leadership to a unit in need of such qualities.
After the addition of Tomlinson, the current depth chart for the Chargers” interior defensive line is as follows:
- Starters: Teair Tart, Jamaree Caldwell, Dalvin Tomlinson
- Backups: Justin Eboigbe, Scott Matlock, TeRah Edwards, Josh Fuga
The Chargers may still look to enhance this position group further, whether through a rookie signing or an early-round draft pick, as they aim to transform their defensive line into a formidable asset for the upcoming season.
