NY Giants’ history says Dalvin Tomlinson will be replaced

Will the NY Giants prioritize Dalvin Tomlinson? Should they?

The NY Giants should absolutely want to keep Dalvin Tomlinson.

He is a team captain, a quiet but well-respected leader who stays out of trouble and does his work every day by example, and he is a very important player in the Giants defense.

Tomlinson is only 26 and still in the prime of his playing career. His best days of football may still be ahead and he’s gotten better and better each season. He is the model of durability and has started all 64 games in four seasons in New York.

Dalvin’s stats improved over time and he’s now a run-stuffing monster with some underrated pass-rushing skill in his arsenal. His season numbers have increased from one sack, one QB hit, and one tackle for a loss in his 2017 rookie season to two straight seasons with 3.5 sacks and over seven tackles for a loss and nine or more QB hits.

Tomlinson is better known for his run-stopping ability rather than his pass-rushing skills. He is a bit of a throwback at defensive tackle; a road grading, run-stopping defender who doesn’t offer as much pop in racking up sacks and pressures. He is reliable, diligent, and sturdy as they come.

The question bearing is whether or not the two sides can reach fair terms on a deal to keep Dalvin in New York for more years to come. With the salary cap dropping this offseason, Tomlinson may be inclined to sign a one-year or short-term deal in free agency to make even more money in an offseason or two when the salary cap is more normal and goes back to increase in size.