Dec 13, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) reacts after sacking Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings brought in a huge run-stopper in Dalvin Tomlinson.
Tomlinson had previously stated he wanted to stay in New York. Yet, in a move that mirrors the one Linval Joseph made just a few years ago, Tomlin spurned the Giants for the Minnesota Vikings, where he’ll play alongside an elite defensive lineman in Daniele Hunter. However, Hunter has recently made it clear he wants more money, or a trade out of the Twin Cities.
Per Ian Rapoport, Tomlinson signed for two years at $11 million per season, not a bad price for a player projected to reach Pro Bowl heights. Tomlinson was fresh off his rookie contract, and cashed in on a short-term deal.
The New York Giants blew it by letting Dalvin Tomlinson go to the Vikings
Tomlinson did get $20 million guaranteed in said contract, and the short-term aspect of it allows him to hit free agency again when he’s 29 year old. This allows him to cash in on another contract while he’s still young enough to reap the benefits.
Just a few days ago, Tomlinson said he never wanted to leave New York.
“When you get drafted by a team, you always see yourself back there because that’s your home,” Tomlinson said at the time. “So of course, I can see myself back there and I would be more than happy to stay. But it’s a business and with the cap space [situation], I just have to take it one day at a time. But I always see it as a possibility for me to be a New York Giant for life.”
So, what changed? In the end, money talks.