Should the New York Giants extend interior defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson?

New York Giants, Dalvin Tomlinson
Dec 24, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Should the New York Giants extend Dalvin Tomlinson beyond 2020?

The New York Giants will have a few decisions to make next off-season, including the extension or release of interior defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson. Tomlinson is on the final year of his rookie contract, and after posting favorable numbers in 2019, general manager Dave Gettleman, if he is still around, will have to make a tough choice.

While I don’t think Tomlinson will be astronomically expensive, he could earn a nice three-year contract making $8 million per season. In 2019, he had his best campaign, posting 49 combined tackles, nine quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.

They say the best ability is availability, and Tomlinson has yet to miss a game at the NFL level. His health and consistency remain a significant factor behind his success and development. However, the addition of Leonard Williams significantly impacted his performance. He nearly doubled his production during the second half of the season last year after Williams was traded for.

“I love Leonard, he is a great guy,’’ defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson said, per the New York Post. “I feel like we clicked off the field for the most part because we both love animated video games. We became instant best friends, I guess you could say. I love playing beside him, he is a great guy. He brings great energy. We have great chemistry. I’m looking forward to playing with him this upcoming season.’’

The influence of the former Jets allowed Tomlinson to more than double his sack totals last year and begin to unlock some of his hidden talents. At just 26-years-old, Tomlinson has plenty of time to continue improving, and if the New York Giants retain Williams on a long-term deal, I believe Tomlinson deserves the same. Nonetheless, they could elect to let him walk in free agency if they offer Williams an extension, as the Giants will be looking to spread out their money and maximize each position with more cap-space likely becoming available.

The Giants have yet to land Williams on a multi-year deal as he currently stands to make $16.1 million on the franchise tag, a high number based on his production in recent years. Gettleman sees the value of his play and chemistry with his surrounding defensive linemen.