The Houston Texans waived veteran offensive lineman Laken Tomlinson, who will now go on waivers. Tomlinson would have to make it to the San Francisco 49ers, which is very well possible.
It’s always fascinating to see how a team that watched Tomlinson play the year prior talks about him compared to the team that might get him. Texans fans rejoiced on Twitter after no longer having Tomlinson on the roster. Tomlinson, now 33, was starting for Houston as recently as Week 9. He had been a healthy scratch since.
Tomlinson, one of the nicest and most professional people in the industry, is not the same player 49ers fans remember from 2021. At this stage in his career, Tomlinson has to “tip” what’s going on, so he can give himself a head start:
Seattle did not bring Tomlinson back after starting 17 games last season. Texans fans, with the ability of hindsight, of course, can’t comprehend how Tomlinson was starting as recently as November.
Still, he’s a veteran, and the 49ers don’t have that behind Spencer Burford now that Ben Bartch is out for the season. The other interior options on the roster are Connor Colby and Nick Zakelj. Could the 49ers be tempted to bring Tomlinson back? Sure.
However, the eye test and his stats suggest the tank is empty for Tomlinson. Per Sports Info Solutions, Tomlinson’s blown block rate is 4.1 percent in pass protection and 6.6 percent as a run blocker — the fifth-worst among all offensive linemen in the NFL.
The familiarity is there, but it would be a lateral move with limited upside, unless Shanahan and the front office value Tomlinson’s intangibles and experience, which very well could be enough to give him the edge over Burford. Left guard has been a revolving door for the 49ers all season. One thing Tomlinson always brought to the table was stability.
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