Cardinals Sign Top Free Agent DL

ARIZONA -- The Arizona Cardinals are signing free agent defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, according to numerous reports.

Tomlinson's deal is a reported two-year contract worth $29 million - $16 million is guaranteed.

Dalvin Tomlinson gets 2 years, for $29M with $16M guaranteed. A really nice deal. https://t.co/gwrBgeXFLt
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 13, 2025

After previously signing outside linebacker Josh Sweat, Cardinals fans were hoping for a defensive tackle signing to bolster the front seven ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

When speaking with reporters at the NFL Combine, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said the team would place an emphasis on defensive linemen who could rush the passer:

"I think we're a team that's going to value versatility. Alignment versatility to play up and down the line. There is always going to be a premium placed on defensive front players that can affect the quarterback, whether that's from inside or outside. I think there is value in both," said Ossenfort.

Tomlinson does just that, as PHNX's Bo Brack shows his 36 pressures last season would have led the Cardinals.

Dalvin Tomlinson's 36 total pressures for the Browns would have led the Arizona Cardinals in 2024. pic.twitter.com/qSWT8BtwxC
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) March 13, 2025

Tomlinson has played in 16 games all but one of his eight years in the NFL and has shown alignment versatility, playing at spots such as defensive end and nose tackle according to Pro Football Reference.

He's recorded at least 2.5 sacks in each of the last six seasons.

Cardinals insider John Gambadoro says the team got an absolute steal in Tomlinson:

"The signing of DT Dalvin Tomlinson is an absolute steal for Arizona. Only reason Cleveland let him go is they were desperate for cap space. He has 36 tackles for loss and 67 QB hits in his career - has always been a starter. Cards beat out two other teams for his services!"

The signing of DT Dalvin Tomlinson is an absolute steal for Arizona. Only reason Cleveland let him go is they were desperate for cap space. He has 36 tackles for loss and 67 QB hits in his career - has always been a starter. Cards beat out two other teams for his services!
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) March 13, 2025

Tomlinson joins other outside free agents such as Sweat, Akeem Davis-Gaither, Jacoby Brissett and Mykal Walker to sign with the Cardinals.

Arizona has retained L.J. Collier, Aaron Brewer, Joey Blount, Kelvin Beachum, Baron Browning, Evan Brown and Zay Jones.

Click Here for Live Grades to Each Cardinals Free Agent Move