Former Alabama defensive tackle finds $29 million landing spot

The Cleveland Browns announced the release of defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson on Wednesday on social media by thanking the former Alabama standout “for all your contributions to the team! Wishing you well at your next stop.”

Three hours and six minutes after that, his next stop appeared. Tomlinson’s agency announced the lineman was joining the Arizona Cardinals as an NFL free agent.

The Browns released Tomlinson halfway through a four-year, $57 million contract. NFL Network reported Tomlinson’s deal with the Cardinals will be for $29 million for two years, with $16 million in guaranteed money.

The Cardinals lost starting nose tackle Roy Lopez in NFL free agency this week as he departed for the Detroit Lions.

During the 2024 season, Tomlinson played and started in 16 games for Cleveland. He recorded a career-low 26 tackles with six tackles for loss, three sacks and a career-high 18 quarterback hits as the Browns posted a 3-14 record a year after going to the playoffs.

Tomlinson came back to play in all but one of Cleveland’s games after he had arthroscopic knee surgery on July 26. His recovery prevented him from practicing until Aug. 27.

A second-round selection from Alabama in the 2017 NFL Draft, Tomlinson has played in 125 regular-season games and two playoff contests.

After starting every game in four seasons for the New York Giants, Tomlinson left in free agency for a two-year, $21 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021. After two seasons with Minnesota, Tomlinson moved in free agency again for Cleveland’s four-year offer.

During his NFL career, Tomlinson had recorded 342 tackles, 19 sacks, 36 tackles for loss, 67 quarterback hits, seven pass breakups, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on X at @AMarkG1.