Vikings shore up defensive line with addition of Dalvin Tomlinson

The Minnesota Vikings bolster a strength on the defensive line by adding Dalvin Tomlinson into the mix. 

Throughout the history of the Minnesota Vikings, defensive linemen have been a gem. On Monday, they added Dalvin Tomlinson to help continue that tradition. The former New York Giant will don purple after signing a two-year, $22 million deal with $20 million guaranteed, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

At first glance, it’s easy to be confused as the Vikings have a defensive tackle in Michael Pierce, who did opt-out of the past season.  But in this day and age, more help on the line of scrimmage is key to success. Need a reminder? Ask the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers about how their line of scrimmage play culminated with a Lombardi trophy.

In no way does the signing of Tomlinson ensure the twin cities will have a Super Bowl. However, it does create problems for the rest of the NFC North as Minnesota receives a player that can get after the run while also create pressure on the quarterback.

Dalvin Tomlinson’s signing with the Vikings is more of a luxury than a risk.

The Minnesota Vikings have more glaring needs on the offensive line than the defensive line, but Dalvin Tomlinson should be seen as a blessing. It’s not often that one of the better interior defenders in the league becomes available on the market.

Additionally, the Vikings will likely focus on the offensive line in the draft or even in the coming days of free agency. But when a player like Tomlinson is there for the taking, you don’t pass that up. Plus, controlling both lines of scrimmage is key to victory despite all the glitz and glamour that the NFL is moving towards.

The Vikings know what they are doing, and given the division that they play in, physicality is a normal trait to have to persevere. Plus, it was reported that the Packers were in the mix to get Tomlinson via trade. Safe to say for Minnesota, they are the ones to reap the benefits.