Should the 49ers Reunite with OL Laken Tomlinson?
Offensive line is the top position of need for the San Francisco 49ers, especially on the right side. Both right guard and right tackle could desperately use an upgrade.
Spencer Burford and Colton McKivitz are not the answer there, and they need to be replaced. One potential replacement at guard for Burford could be a familiar face. Laken Tomlinson is now a free agent after being cut by the New York Jets. Tomlinson spent four seasons with the 49ers from 2018 to 2021.
He was always a sturdy and solid player for the 49ers that unfortunately would be priced out once he became a free agent after the 2021 season. Now, the 49ers have a chance to bring him back and potentially sure up their offensive line a bit. So, should the 49ers reunite with Tomlinson?
Absolutely not. I get that the knee-jerk reaction is to find Tomlinson's availability alluring given the 49ers' need at offensive line. But there is a reason Tomlinson was released by the Jets. He isn't a good player anymore. Yes, the Jets were able to save $8.1 million due to his release. But teams will not release a player for some salary cap savings if that player is still good.
Tomlinson isn't that player who peaked after leaving the 49ers for the Jets. Last season, Tomlinson allowed 51 pressures, which is the second-most among guards, and allowed seven sacks, per Pro Football Focus. He also received career lows in run blocking and pass blocking grades by PFF as well. The 49ers should stay far away from Tomlinson. He isn't the same caliber of player they were once fond of anymore.
Not to mention that he is a left guard with zero familiarity on the right side. It makes zero sense to bring him back. Leave Tomlinson in the past and don't try to force potential that doesn't exist.
