3 former Vikings we’ll be glad are gone, and 2 we’ll wish stayed in 2023
By Adam Patrick
Dalvin Tomlinson – DL
New Team: Cleveland Browns
Two years ago, the Vikings were able to convince Dalvin Tomlinson to sign with them when he was a free agent during the 2021 offseason. This year, Minnesota couldn’t afford to keep Tomlinson around.
The veteran defensive lineman became a free agent again this offseason, and despite being one year shy of 30, he wound up cashing in with a lucrative four-year contract from the Cleveland Browns worth $57 million.
During his two seasons with the Vikings, Tomlinson was one of the few bright spots on the team’s defense. He finished with a top-16 PFF defensive grade (among qualifying defensive linemen) in each of his two years with Minnesota and he made a number of impactful plays during his time with the team.
Minnesota signed former Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Dean Lowry in free agency this offseason to try and make up for the loss of Tomlinson. But the Vikings are likely going to miss having Tomlinson in the middle of their defensive line during the 2023 campaign.