Grading all of Cleveland Browns signings through the first 2 days of the free agent period

Dalvin Tomlinson

Two years ago, this signing would’ve been huge, but that was two years ago. Fans fall in love with name value far too easily and that was the case with Dalvin Tomlinson. Tomilson was signed by the Browns to a deal worth $57 million, with $27.5 guaranteed. The contract runs for four seasons, but any specifics beyond that are unknown.

Like with Obo Okoronkwo, Tomilnson was brought in with the idea of bolstering the defensive line. Like with Okoronkwo, the Browns are getting a solid pash-rusher but someone who has declined as a run-stopper over the last few years.

In 2019, Tomlinson put up a 79.3 against the run according to PFF. In 2020 that dropped to 70.3, in 2021 that dropped to 68.1, and then 63.8 in 2022. He’s getting older and the wear and tear of playing such a physical position do seem to be catching up to him.

Made even worse, he’s at the end of his prime and he’s never been a Pro Bowl-level player. Now, is he a step up compared to what the Browns had? Yes, even at 60% of his peak, Tomlinson is a better player than Jordan Elliot and Tommy Togiai.

We are all in agreeance that he’s better than anyone we had, even Taven Bryant. But, the other questions that need to be asked are; does he improve the run defense and is he worth his contract? Those are both huge no’s, at least right now.

He’s not worth his contract, not based on his prior year’s play, and considering how bad the Browns’ defensive tackles were against the run, you’d think Andrew Berry would prioritize getting two hosses who can plug up the middle of the line and limit opposing teams from running on the Browns.

That was apparently something his analytics told him not to worry about. The Browns may get more sacks in 2023, but if they’re still unable to stop the running game, who cares? Hopefully, the Browns aren’t done improving the front four, and the next big signing is a monster who can eat up running backs with ease.

1406

Grade C+