Los Angeles Chargers sign DE Dalvin Tomlinson

Dalvin Tomlinson earns a C Contract Value Index (CVI) on this one-year, $7.5M signing — a neutral proposition that reflects his role as a rotational defensive end rather than a marquee pass-rush asset. At his production tier, Tomlinson offers solid starter value in the trenches; he's a reliable run defender and interior presence but not an elite pass-rush threat or game-wrecker who commands premium dollars. The $7.5M AAV fits the mid-tier defensive line market for a player with his resume and current expectations, neither an overpay nor a steal. For a Chargers team sitting at 11-6 and holding playoff position heading into the offseason, this is a measured add — depth insurance and proven rotation stability without mortgaging future flexibility or cap space on an undersized commitment. The one-year structure keeps the deal clean and reversible, which is smart asset management on both sides. The value hinges on whether Tomlinson stays healthy and productive in his current role; if he delivers starter-quality snaps alongside the defensive line group, the Chargers got reasonable production for reasonable money. If injuries or diminished output surface, a one-year deal is forgiving enough to move on without dead-cap complications.