Giants topic: Dalvin Tomlinson in Reuters photo
Giants topic: Dalvin Tomlinson in Reuters photo
The Giants have already watched two prominent defensive tackles change teams. That doesn’t mean Joe Schoen should chase the next available name at any price.
One possibility is a familiar one. Dalvin Tomlinson, drafted by the Giants in 2017, signed with the Chargers in March. Athlon’s Pat Pickens proposed him as a New York deadline target. The suggestion is speculation, not a report that the teams are negotiating.
Giants topic: Dalvin Tomlinson in Reuters photo
Dec 28, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is sacked by Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) in the second quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
What Tomlinson would give the Giants
Tomlinson’s experience on the interior is the appeal. New York traded Dexter Lawrence in April and has reason to evaluate its front while leading the NFC East at 4-2-1. A veteran who can help against the run would allow the Giants to pursue a defined role rather than paying for a star they don’t need to use on every down.
The recent market offers a warning. Chicago sent two first-round picks and a fourth to Tennessee for Jeffery Simmons and a fifth; San Francisco acquired DeForest Buckner for a fourth. They are different players with different contracts, so neither package establishes Tomlinson’s price.
I’d make the call only if the Chargers are willing to discuss a modest return and New York is comfortable with the medical review. Tomlinson appeared on the injury report with a hamstring issue earlier this month before returning to full practice.
A reunion is not the only route
The alternative is to seek a cheaper rotational player or trust the current group through the next stretch. The Giants are already without their 2027 fourth- and fifth-round picks, making a middle-round bidding contest harder to justify.
Tomlinson’s familiarity with the franchise makes the idea easy to picture. His actual availability, current health and asking price are separate questions that still need answers.