Falcons Free Agency: Sign Vikings' Dalvin Tomlinson to 'Boost' DL?

Should the Atlanta Falcons sign Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency?

The Atlanta Falcons have the second-most cap space in the NFL with $56 million and an admitted need to improve their defensive front.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith and defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen have touched on the significance of being able to defend the run and pressure the quarterback with only four players, as opposed to bringing additional bodies from other parts of the defense.

Atlanta has just 39 sacks across the past two seasons, which is last by a considerable margin - the next lowest team is in the 60s. Further, the Falcons are coming off a campaign in which they ranked No. 23 in rushing defense at 130 yards allowed per game.

In essence, it's clear Atlanta needs help up front - so how about Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson?

According to ESPN, the Falcons are the "best fit" for Tomlinson, who was rated as the No. 30 overall free agent on the market ...

"The Falcons could boost their defensive line with Tomlinson, a 325-pound nose guard who can play as a 1-technique in a 40 front. With 13 sacks over six pro seasons, Tomlinson isn't going to bring high-end pass-rush production to Atlanta," ESPN writes. "But thanks to lateral quickness and that size, Tomlinson can clog up running lanes, demand double-teams and provide an interior push next to Grady Jarrett to take away opposing quarterback's throwing platforms."

While his sack numbers are what they are, Tomlinson is a better pass rusher than given credit for. Pro Football Focus highlighted that the McDonough, Georgia native had 29 pressures this past season, in addition to 10 quarterback hits and three sacks in 13 games while earning a career-high 79.1 pass rushing grade.

Tomlinson, a former second-round pick, has substantially improved as a pass rusher and remains a stout run defender, ranking sixth in the NFL across the last four years with 36 stops at or behind the line of scrimmage, per PFF.

With the Falcons in uncharted territory regarding cap space, general manager Terry Fontenot has stressed the need to remain disciplined ... and perhaps that's what makes Tomlinson so intriguing - the Alabama alum isn't expected to break the bank.

Tomlinson, who will turn 29 years old over the summer, is currently projected to receive a three-year, $25.5 million deal in which he'd earn $8.5 million per year, per Spotrac.

So, in Tomlinson, the Falcons would be getting a balanced and affordable piece to add next to Grady Jarrett and Ta'Quon Graham on the interior defensive line, giving Nielsen, a former defensive lineman, a strong trio to build around as he looks to elevate both the run and pass defense to a new level.

And for that, Tomlinson's "best fit" is Atlanta - and it seems to be a two-way street.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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