Browns Agree to Terms with DT Dalvin Tomlinson per Reports
After coming up short on both Javon Hargrave and Dre'Mont Jones, the Cleveland Browns have come to an agreement with free agent nose Dalvin Tomlinson. The terms of the deal are reportedly four years, $57 million, $27.5 million of which is guaranteed.
Tomlinson is a 6'3" 325lb interior presence that offers credibility as a run defender, but can attack the quarterback, which seems to be an ideal fit for the defense Jim Schwartz wants to run.
Tomlinson celebrated his 29th birthday in February and now joins a front that includes Myles Garrett and the newly signed Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. If the combination of Okoronkwo and Alex Wright can be the full package at left end, the Browns only need to fill one more spot on the defensive line, the three-technique.
The position group likely to benefit the most from the presence of Tomlinson is the linebackers. The Browns still need to find their starting MIKE, but one of the issues that plagued them last year was consistently having blockers reach undersized linebackers and simply move them down the field.
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah was a player who shined as a rookie and had his share of struggles in his second season. Adding Tomlinson to the mix should make it far easier for him to fly around and make plays.
The Browns will likely turn their attention to addressing the last starter on the defensive line, trying to make a strong group up front for Schwartz. In addition to MIKE linebacker, the Browns also need to find a free safety.