DT Dalvin Tomlinson named potential fit for Jaguars in 2023 free agency

The Jacksonville Jaguars have revamped their defensive line over the last two years but the group could still use a few upgrades. That’s why Brad Spielbierger of Pro Football Focus thinks they should target defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency.

Spielberger put together a list of one defensive player each NFL team should sign in free agency and he thinks Tomlinson would be a solid fit in Jacksonville.

"Tomlinson showed great versatility going from playing a more pure nose tackle with the New York Giants to primarily three-technique with the Minnesota Vikings. He’s proven he can generate pressure from either alignment, and the Jaguars could stand to add more interior pass-rush juice going forward, especially since Arden Key is a pending free agent.Tomlinson has three straight seasons earning a pass rush grade above 70.0, with his 80.7 cumulative pass rush grade the eight-best mark among players above 300 pounds."

A second-round pick by the New York Giants in 2017, Tomlinson signed a two-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings and is slated to become a free agent when the new league year begins.

Tomlinson’s contract had a void year in 2023, so whether he stays in Minneapolis or signs with another club, he’s set to count $7.5 million against the cap. He’s become an important part of the Vikings’ defensive line, so there’s a chance he gets a new contract and doesn’t hit the open market.

Should the Jaguars pursue Dalvin Tomlinson in free agency?

Arden Key and Adams Gotsis are scheduled to become free agents. Both of them have important pieces in the Jags’ pass-rush rotation. Defensive tackle Cory Peters was also signed before the start of the regular season and it would be a good idea to bring him back to provide depth. Then, there’s defensive end Roy Robertson-Harris, who could become a cap casualty, so the team’s brass may need to revamp the front seven.

Having said that, the Jaguars are going to be in a cap crunch in the offseason, so they won’t probably be able to make any splash signings. Luke Braun of Zone Coverage thinks that Tomlinson could get a three-year contract worth $20 million in the open market. This seems a fair deal for a defensive lineman who can create pressure up front.

On the other hand, it would make sense for the Jaguars to prioritize bringing Arden Key back for his leadership skills and his scheme flexibility. His ability to line up at different spots has allowed defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell to deploy him in different ways.

The bottom line is that Tomlinson would be a great addition to the Jacksonville defensive line. You can never have enough pass rushers. But the truth is that they’ll be working with a limited budget in free agency and might be better off putting money aside to re-sign Key.