The Los Angeles Chargers might not have made the huge splash many fans were expecting on the free agent market this offseason, but they were certanly active in re-shaping their roster.
On the offensive side of the ball, they made a number of moves to help ease the implementation of MIke McDaniel's scheme, adding Keaton Mitchell, Charlie Kolar, David Njoku, Alec Ingold, and Brenen Thompson. On the defensive side of the ball, the mission was slightly less clear under Chris O'Leary. To what extent would O'Leary simply try to replicate the success of Jesse Minter, and where would the differences in his scheme lie?
Still, though, the Chargers found a number of new defensive contributors this offseason, most notably adding Akheem Mesidor and Genesis Smith through the NFL Draft.
Yet those selections, and the breakout of Smith as a real contributor in mandatory minicamp and OTAs, have overshadowed what could be the Chargers' most impactful defensive signing of the offseason. Although there haven't been any major updates on Tomlinson's performance in OTAs and mandatory mini-camp, the 335-lb nose tackle has a chance to be play a massive role for Los Angeles in 2026.
Dalvin Tomlinson could be the piece that completes the Chargers defense in 2026
The Chargers run defense wasn't bad, per se, when you look at the total numbers from 2025. They finished in the top-10 in total rushing yards allowed. Although they finished 17th in rushing yards per attempt, they generally did a solid job of limiting opponents in that regard. The problem was the wild inconsistency of their defensive front.
They got absolutely demolished on multiple occasions by capable backfields, including a disastrous performance in Week 11 against the Jacksonville Jaguars where they ceded 192 rushing yards and four rushign touchdowns.
Tomlinson's addition is meant to add reliability and experience to the room. The veteran D-lineman played just 48% of defensive snaps for the Arizona Cardinals last season, totaling 26 combined tackles and three tackles for loss. He also had six missed tackles on the season— a concerning number for someone with a relatively limited amount of opportunities.
But Tomlinson also wasn't maximized in Arizona. At his size, he's certainly capable of playing nose tackle, especially when there are defenders around him who can complement him. But earlier in his career, with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns, Tomlinson had ample experience moving across the line to open up opportunities for disruption. In Minnesota in 2022, for example, Tomlinson took 32 snaps as a nose tackle, 417 as a defensive tackle, 89 lined up over an offensive tackle, and 12 lined up off the edge, per Pro Football Focus.
He'll need to improve on his production and the consistency of his performance from last year. But if he's able to do so, he could be one of the most versatile and important defenders on Los Angeles' front.
As his quiet offseason continues, he could quickly become the best-kept secret from the Chargers' bevy of free-agent additions.
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