The San Francisco 49ers are in dire need of offensive line assistance during this offseason, particularly on the right side where both the right guard and right tackle positions require significant improvement.
Spencer Burford and Colton McKivitz, currently holding those positions, are deemed inadequate and should be replaced. One plausible replacement for Burford at the guard position could be Laken Tomlinson, a familiar face who spent four seasons with the 49ers from 2018 to 2021 before being released by the New York Jets and becoming a free agent.
However, the idea of reuniting with Tomlinson might not be the best course of action. Despite the immediate appeal of addressing the 49ers’ offensive line needs with a familiar player, there are valid reasons why Tomlinson was released by the Jets. His performance has notably declined, evidenced by allowing 51 pressures (the second-highest among guards) and seven sacks last season, according to Pro Football Focus. Furthermore, Tomlinson received career-low grades in both run blocking and pass blocking from PFF.
While the Jets benefited from salary cap savings after Tomlinson’s release, it’s essential to recognize that teams don’t part ways with valuable players for financial reasons alone. Tomlinson no longer possesses the caliber of skill that once made him a reliable player for the 49ers.
The #Jets are releasing guard Laken Tomlinson, per source.
Move saves around $8.1M on the cap.
Incredibly durable player has started 114 straight games.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 27, 2024
Additionally, considering Tomlinson’s primary experience as a left guard, reintegrating him into the 49ers’ lineup on the right side lacks practicality. It would be more sensible for the 49ers to explore other options and refrain from attempting to resurrect potential that no longer exists with Tomlinson.
