The Cleveland Browns clear up some space after extending Myles Garrett.
The Cleveland Browns gave superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett a four-year, $160 million contract extension on Sunday. Although Garrett demanded a trade earlier in the offseason, Cleveland was able to persuade him to stay and gave him a new deal as a result.
As a result, the Browns needed to find a way to clear up a little cap space amid free agency. That led to the franchise officially announcing they plan to release defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Tomlinson is set to be a post-June 1 cut but can sign with any team by Wednesday, March 12.
“The Browns have notified DT Dalvin Tomlinson that he will be released at the start of the new league year. Tomlinson will be designated as [a] post-June 1 cut but can officially sign with a new team at the start of the league year on Wednesday.”
Tomlinson, who just turned 31 years old, spent the past two seasons playing in Cleveland. The decision to let him go gives the Browns just over $5 million in dead cap. However, the move saves the franchise just over $6 million in cap space.
The 2024 campaign was solid for Tomlinson, as he started in 16 of 17 games last season. He ended the season with 26 total tackles (six for a loss) and three sacks. He served more as a run-stopping defensive tackle in the interior while Garrett focused more on attacking the quarterback.
Tomlinson should fetch some interest as a free agent. His consistency can bolster the run defense for numerous teams in the league. But we won't know where he'll sign until he eventually reaches a new contract.
Before playing for the Browns, Tomlinson played four seasons with the New York Giants, then two with the Minnesota Vikings. He's been a solid defensive tackle throughout his career, with his sophomore campaign in New York being the best statistically.
Another move that helped the Browns clear up cap space this offseason was restructuring Deshaun Watson's contract. That decision freed up nearly $36 million in cap space for Cleveland to play with in free agency.
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Browns own the No. 2 pick overall. Overall, the franchise has nine picks total for the upcoming draft. They'll have a chance to acquire some exciting young talent to a roster that needs it.
Why Browns chose to keep Myles Garrett
Mike Florio says the Cleveland Browns throw money at problems, which the two examples would be the Deshaun Watson trade and the latest Myles Garrett deal.
The Browns had given the Texans the 1st & 4th round picks in 2022, 1st & 3rd in 2023, and 1st and 4th in 2024. Those picks resulted in: Eagles took Jordan Davis with 13th overall pick in 2022 via trade with Texans. Lions took Jahmyr Gibbs with 12th overall pick in 2023 via trade with Texans. Jaguars took Brian Thomas Jr. 23rd overall in 2024 via trade through Texans, and Vikings.
All those players and picks originated from the Watson trade. So Florio points out that not only are those players the Browns could’ve had, but they could’ve also made up for losing them by moving Garrett in a deal to acquire more picks.
Nonetheless, they remained committed to one of their most important defensive players on the team. Garrett is coming off a 2024 campaign in which he appeared in all 17 games. He recorded 47 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection.
The Browns will look to recover from a disappointing 3-14 season in 2024. They also hope to return to playoff contention following their postseason appearance in 2023.
