Source – Free agent Dalphin Tomlinson is heading to the Browns

Berea, Ohio — The Cleveland Browns and former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Dalphin Tomlinson have agreed to a four-year deal, a source told ESPN Monday night.

The deal is worth $57 million, with a $27.5 million guarantee, NFL Network first reported.

The Browns entered free agency with defensive tackle as their biggest need, and they landed one of the best defenses on the market.

Tomlinson, who turned 29 in February, was a second-round pick for the New York Giants in 2017. He played his first four seasons with the Giants before signing a two-year, $22 million free agent contract with the Vikings in 2021.

During that time, Tomlinson developed a reputation as a durable and reliable inside defender who could fit into a 4-3 or 3-4 forward base. He can block running lanes with his size and power while using his lateral speed to swallow ball carriers. With 13 sacks over six seasons, Tomlinson is asking for double teams and providing an inside boost to banishing quarterback pads.

Tomlinson should greatly help Cleveland improve last season’s second-worst series defense (-23.11 EPA). Although his 325-pound frame suggests he’s a natural running back stopper, Tomlinson impressed the 2022 Vikings defensive coaching staff with his passing energy. He ranked No. 34 among all NFL inside defensive linemen in rushing win rate (7.3%) and was the third-highest pressing average for the Vikings (5.3%) last season.

Tomlinson started all 64 of the Giants’ games between 2017 and 2020 and the first 23 of his time in Minnesota before his calf cost him four games during the middle of the 2022 season. He returned in time for the Vikings’ playoff game, however, starting their last seven games.

Tomlinson has 288 tackles (including 26 for loss) and two forced fumbles in his career.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert and Matt Bowen contributed to this report.