Browns Release Defensive Tackle Tomlinson Amid Strategic Salary Cap Moves

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have officially released defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson on Wednesday, parting ways after just one season of a four-year, $57 million contract. This decision, executed with a post-June 1 designation, is part of a strategy to alleviate future salary cap obligations.

By designating Tomlinson’s release as post-June 1, the Browns will reduce their salary cap hit for 2025 and minimize dead money over the next three years. Without this designation, releasing Tomlinson would have impacted the 2025 cap significantly.

This strategic move allowed Cleveland to avoid a $750,000 roster bonus, which was set to be paid within days. In his 2024 season with the Browns, Tomlinson started all 16 games but recorded a career-low 26 tackles alongside six tackles for loss, three sacks, and a personal best of 18 quarterback hits. The Browns concluded the season with a disappointing 3-14 record, following a playoff appearance the previous year.

Tomlinson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on July 26, 2024, and his recovery delayed his practice participation until late August. A second-round draft pick from the 2017 NFL Draft, Tomlinson has played in 125 regular-season games, including two playoff appearances. His journey includes four successful seasons with the New York Giants and two years with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Browns in free agency.

Throughout his NFL career, Tomlinson has accumulated 342 tackles, 19 sacks, 36 tackles for loss, 67 quarterback hits, and multiple turnovers, showcasing his impact on both defense and special teams.